Peter Dawson (Bass-Baritone) (Adelaide, South Australia 31 January 1882 – Sydney, Australia 27 September 1961)

He was known in his youth as an athlete, namely as a boxer. He decided to study singing after winning a gold medal at an amateur competition in Ballarat. He came to England in 1902 and became a student of Sir Charles Santley. Since about 1904 he traveled to England, gave everywhere under the pseudonym Hector Grant Ballad Concerts and participated as an assisting artist on tours of famous singers (such as Emma Albani). In 1909 he completed a very successful Australian tour. During the First World War he appeared in many charity concerts in England as well as in Australia. In 1926 he gave a series of concerts at the Wigmore Hall and at the Aeolian Hall in London. In 1931, together with the pianist Mark Hambourg, he traveled in Australia. He made eight major tours through Australia and New Zealand and several trips through South Africa. He performed in India, Japan and China. He rarely appeared on stage, as in 1907 and 1909 at the London Covent Garden as comprimario in ‘’Meistersingern’’. In 1955 he sang in the English radio and still after his 70th year of life he made records. He was the teacher of soprano Joan Cross. He published an autobiography entitled 'Fifty Years of Song' (London, 1951). He also worked as a composer of songs and ballads, which he edited under the pseudonym P. MacCall.

Chronology of some appearances

1907 London Covent Garden

1909 London Covent Garden