William H. MacDonald

William Henry MacDonald (November 1, 1849 – March 27, 1906) was an American baritone and actor who performed in operas, operettas, and musicals during the late 19th century and early 20th century. He was a longtime member of the Boston Ideal Opera Company (later known as The Bostonians). With that company he created roles in the premieres of several classic American operettas, including Little John in Reginald De Koven's Robin Hood (1890), Louis Biron in Victor Herbert's Prince Ananias (1894), and Carlos Alvarado in Herbert's The Serenade (1897).

Early life in America, education, and early career in Europe

William H. MacDonald was born in Steubenville, Ohio on November 1, 1849. He was trained as an operatic baritone in England, Germany, and Italy, and in the latter country made his stage debut in Giuseppe Verdi's Il trovatore. While studying in Italy he met his future wife, the soprano Marie Stone (1847-1899). In Europe he had success on the opera stage in leading parts in The Barber of Seville, Ruy Blas and La forza del destino.

Early career in the United States

After returning to the United States, MacDonald made his American concert debut in Pittsburgh in January 1876 performing in the concert company of Thérèse Tietjens. In August 1876 he was appointed a resident artist at the Boston Lyceum Opera Company. He made his debut with this company in December 1876 at the Boston Academy of Music in Martha.