Thomas Lowe (tenor) facts for kids
Thomas Lowe (born around 1719, died March 1, 1783) was a famous English singer and actor. He was a tenor, which means he had a high male singing voice. Thomas Lowe performed at big theaters like the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Covent Garden. He also sang often in London's fun pleasure gardens, which were like outdoor entertainment parks. He was well-known for singing songs by famous composers Thomas Arne and George Frideric Handel.
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Thomas Lowe's Early Career
Thomas Lowe started singing when he was very young. In May 1732, he sang in an oratorio called Esther by George Frideric Handel. An oratorio is like a play with music, but it's usually based on a religious story and performed without costumes or scenery.
His career as a tenor officially began in August 1740. He performed in a musical play called Alfred by Thomas Arne. This was its very first performance, held at Cliveden, a large country home.
In September 1740, Thomas Lowe first appeared at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. He played a character named Sir John Loverule in a play called The Devil to Pay. During his first two years there, he sang in famous shows like The Beggar's Opera and Comus.
Working with Famous Composers
From 1742 to 1750, Thomas Lowe was part of Handel's special group that performed oratorios. He sang in the first performances of many of Handel's well-known works. These included Samson, Susanna, Joshua, Solomon, and Theodora.
Thomas Lowe was also a member of the Madrigal Society for ten years, from 1741 to 1751. A madrigal is a type of song for several voices, usually without instruments.
From 1745, he regularly performed at Vauxhall Gardens. This was a very popular pleasure garden in London where people went for entertainment, music, and food. He sang there until about 1761.
Performing in Dublin
Between 1742 and 1744, Thomas Arne and his wife lived in Dublin, Ireland. Thomas Lowe also performed there during this time at the Smock Alley Theatre. In 1744, he sang the main part in the first performance of Arne's oratorio The Death of Abel in Dublin. He later performed at the Aungier Street Theatre in Dublin before returning to Drury Lane in 1747.
Moving to Covent Garden
In 1748, another famous tenor named John Beard returned to Drury Lane. After this, Thomas Lowe left Drury Lane and moved to the Covent Garden theater. He continued to perform in popular plays there. For example, he played Macheath in The Beggar's Opera again in 1748.
Later Years and Management
After 1763, Thomas Lowe no longer performed at Drury Lane or Covent Garden. Instead, he became the manager of Marylebone Gardens. This meant he was in charge of running the garden and its entertainment.
However, in 1769, he had a difficult season and faced financial problems. He had to give control of the gardens to others to help pay off his debts.
In 1772, he was hired by Thomas King to sing at Sadler's Wells. Sadler's Wells was another popular entertainment venue. Thomas Lowe continued to sing there until he passed away on March 1, 1783.
His Son, Halifax Lowe
Thomas Lowe's son, Halifax Lowe, also became a singer. He first performed at Sadler's Wells in 1784, the year after his father died. People said that Halifax had a voice very similar to his father's. Sadly, he died young in 1790, at the age of 28.
