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Helge Rosvaenge (1897-1972) was an outstanding spinto tenor whose 50 year career encompassed opera, operetta, concerts, radio, film and recordings. Born Helge Anton Rosenvinge Hansen, Rosvaenge (sometimes spelled Roswaenge) began his working life as a chemist after graduating from the Polytechnic in his native Copenhagen. He had taken a few voice lessons during his teens, but it wasn’t until a 1920 visit to Schwerin, Mecklenburg, Germany that he discovered the thriving theater scene. He also met the soprano who would become his wife, Ilonka Holndonner, who encouraged him to sing a concert with her. Other concerts followed, as well as a few productions with local theaters. An agent from the opera at Neustrelitz heard Rosvaenge and invited him to audition for their upcoming season. Despite his inexperience, the singer managed to pass himself off as a seasoned performer. The ruse worked, for management offered Rosvaenge a contract to sing Don José in Carmen, the role in which he made his official debut in t
