Frederick Lablache

Who was Frederick Lablache?

Frederick Lablache was an English singer. The eldest son of Luigi Lablache, vocalist, was educated by his father.

About 1837 he appeared at the King's Theatre, London, in Italian opera, and afterwards frequently sang at Manchester with Italian singers such as Giovanni Matteo Mario, Giulia Grisi, and Favanti. In 1844 he took a part in Così fan tutte at Her Majesty's Theatre, and in 1846 in Il matrimonio segreto. He played the part of Count Rodolphe to Jenny Lind's Amina in La sonnambula on her first visit to Manchester on 28 August 1847 and he also appeared with her in other character roles under the management of Michael Balfe in 1849. About 1865 he withdrew from the stage, and devoted himself to teaching.

He died at 51 Albany Street, London on 30 January 1887. His son, Luigi Lablache, was a well-known actor and the grandfather of the actor Stewart Granger.

His wife, Fanny Wyndham Lablache, who died in 1877, was a vocalist, whose maiden name was Wilton, was born in Scotland. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London between 1836–37 and then made her début at the Lyceum Theatre, afterwards also appearing at Her Majesty's Theatre.