Opera Singer; Rosina Buckman was a New Zealand born soprano and prima donna who rose to international fame during the early part of the twentieth century following her operatic debut in 1905. Born to musical parents in Blenheim, New Zealand, Rosina was noted at an early age for her singing ability. She received singing lessons in Palmerston North under choirmaster James Grace who arranged for her to study under Charles Swinnerton Heap in England. Not long after beginning training Heap passed away, prompting Rosina to move to the Birmingham and Midland Institute School of Music. After graduating in 1903, she returned to New Zealand where she performed her first opera in 1905. In the years following Rosina worked with the likes of James Cassius Williamson, Alfred Hill, Thomas Beecham and Nellie Melba before joining the newly founded Beecham Opera Company in 1915. It's with this company her most notable work was done; Madame Butterfly. In 1924, her recording of this piece was the first opera recording to be in English. She was one of the first New Zealand artists to be recorded. After touring Australian and New Zealand and having a successful career, Rosina focused on teacher and trained students at the Royal Academy of Music.
Opera Singer; Rosina Buckman was a New Zealand born soprano and prima donna who rose to international fame during the early part of the twentieth century following her operatic debut in 1905. Born to musical parents in Blenheim, New Zealand, Rosina was noted at an early age for her singing ability. She received singing lessons in Palmerston North under choirmaster James Grace who arranged for her to study under Charles Swinnerton Heap in England. Not long after beginning training Heap passed away, prompting Rosina to move to the Birmingham and Midland Institute School of Music. After graduating in 1903, she returned to New Zealand where she performed her first opera in 1905. In the years following Rosina worked with the likes of James Cassius Williamson, Alfred Hill, Thomas Beecham and Nellie Melba before joining the newly founded Beecham Opera Company in 1915. It's with this company her most notable work was done; Madame Butterfly. In 1924, her recording of this piece was the first opera recording to be in English. She was one of the first New Zealand artists to be recorded. After touring Australian and New Zealand and having a successful career, Rosina focused on teacher and trained students at the Royal Academy of Music.
Bio by: Thomas Fairweather
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