Octave Dua (Tenor) (Ghent 1882 - Brussels 1952)

Dua had a successful career as comprimario. His real name was Leo van der Haegen. He made his debut in Brussels (Théâtre de la Monnaie) in 1907 as Jeník in B. Smetana’s ‘’The Bartered Bride’’. From 1915 to 1922 he had big success at the Chicago Opera House. From 1919-21 he belonged to the ensemble of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In 1921-22 he was engaged again by the Chicago Opera House (under the management of Mary Garden). Here he appeared on 30. 12. 1921 in the premiere of S. Prokofiev's ‘’L'amour trois oranges’’ singing the role of  Truffaldino. In 1920 in New York he carry out a nasal operation and lost an eye. He had his biggest success at Covent Garden in London, where he appeared from 1924 to 1931 and again from 1934 to 1939. Here he sang in 1919 in the première of M. Ravel’s ‘’L'Heure espagnole’’. In the 1931-1932 season Dua again was a member of the Chicago Opera House. Since 1926 he was active as a stage manager first in Brussels, then in Ghent.

Chronlogy of some appearances

1907 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie The Bartered Bride (Jenik)

1921 Chicago Opera House L'amour trois oranges (Truffaldino)

RECORDINGS FOR SALE

Disque Zonophone, Brussels  15- 3-10

Een vrouwken die gezwind te spinnen zat (G Antheunis) X-32438

Mijn land (Leo van der Haegen) X-32439

HMV, London 1926-06-17 (actual performance, Covent Garden)

Otello (Verdi): Questa è una ragna with Noto and Cilla DB955 2-054167

HMV, London 1929-06-19

Otello (Verdi): Inaffia l'ugola (Brindisi) with Giovanni Inghilleri, Luigi Cilla & chorus D1698 2-054312