Kelly, Michael (1762-1826), was an Irish tenor who gained success in Vienna, Austria, partly through his friendship with the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Kelly sang in the first performance of Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro in 1786. From 1787, he won fame in London for his performances at Drury Lane Theatre. He also composed some theater music.
Michael William Kelly was born on Dec. 25, 1762, in Dublin. Kelly later often performed there. He studied in Italy and toured the country from the late 1770’s to 1783, when he joined a newly created Italian opera company. From about 1787 to 1808, Kelly was the principal tenor at the Drury Lane Theatre in London. Kelly was the stage manager of the Haymarket Theatre in London for about 30 years, starting in 1793. Kelly’s Reminiscences, written shortly before his death, provide a valuable picture of the musical life of his time. Kelly died on Oct. 9, 1826.
