Norman Bailey

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Norman Bailey (born 23 March 1933) is an operatic bass-baritone; born in Birmingham, he emigrated to South Africa with his parents after the Second World War and later studied vocal training in Vienna. His voice was first recognised when he was reading Divinity at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa. While his early career was in Austria and Germany, he later settled in the United Kingdom. He has been particularly associated with Wagner's operas, especially the role of Wotan in the Ring Cycle which he sung in the Sadler's Wells Opera/English National Opera production under the baton of Reginald Goodall. In these performances he partnered Rita Hunter as Brünnhilde and Alberto Remedios as Siegfried. The recordings made with these artists based on this production are regarded as one of the classic Wagner sets, even though (in accordance with ENO practice) they are sung in English. Another major Wagnerian role which he sang in many opera houses including Bayreuth was Hans Sachs in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

Bailey's other memorable performances at the ENO include the Father in Humperdinck's opera Hansel and Gretel. He has also performed with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and in many opera houses around the world, including at Bayreuth Festival.