Alfred Deller
One of the first male altos to come into prominence in the twentieth century was Alfred Deller, who was born at Margate in England on 31 May 1912 and died at Bologna in Italy on 16 July 1979. His artistry is always recalled by those who heard his singing. He was a lay clerk in succession at Canterbury Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral in London before forming The Deller Consort for the authentic performance of a neglected repertory. The role of Oberon in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream was created for him, and there has been a succession of fine countertenors since.