Isidore de Lara

Isidore de Lara was a renowned English composer and singer, born Isidore Cohen in 1858. He pursued his musical education in Italy and France, later returning to England to establish himself as a prominent figure in the music scene. De Lara taught at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama for several years, while also gaining recognition as a skilled singer and composer of art songs.

De Lara's compositional focus shifted to stage music in the early 1880s, ultimately leading to his most notable successes in the field of opera. His opera Messaline, premiered in 1899, became a huge hit, enjoying numerous revivals across Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. De Lara spent his later years in London, where he attempted to found a permanent National opera company in England during the 1920s, although this endeavor was met with limited success. He passed away in 1935, leaving behind a legacy as a talented composer and singer.