Postcard
Heddle Nash
1930

Heddle Nash (1894-1961), a frequent performer with the Hallé between 1928 and 1948, was the son of a builder. He was inspired to take up singing after listening to a gramophone recording by Italian operatic tenor Enrico Caruso. He soon after applied for a scholarship at the Blackheath Conservatoire - he was accepted, but this was shortly followed by the ourbreak of World War I.

Returning after the war, Nash took up his scholarship. He also sang for a short time with the Podrecca and Feodora Italian Marionette company, singing in the orchestra pit (unseen by the audience!) as puppets mimed onstage.

Spending much of his time in Italy, Nash developed a unique 'Italianate' style of singing which remained for the remainder of his career.