Phyllis Mailing

Phyllis Margaret Mailing (November 4, 1929 – November 26, 2004) was a Canadian mezzo-soprano, teacher, and patron of classical music. She had a distinguished career as a singer, performing across North America and Europe.

Early life Phyllis Mailing was born on November 4, 1929, in Brantford, Ontario, and grew up in Hamilton.

Education Mailing began her musical education at the Hamilton Conservatory of Music, where she studied voice with Bertha Carey Morrow, and piano with Reginald Godden. While there, she won the gold medal for the highest marks in Canada within the Conservatory system.

From 1952 to 1957, Mailing attended the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto, where she studied with George Lambert, Weldon Kilburn, and Aksel Schiøtz. Following this, she continued her studies in Europe, first in Stuttgart, in 1959, then in Vienna to study with Giselle Rathanser, and finally in London, where she studied with Bruce Boyce. which provided her the opportunity to perform a recital in New York. This served as a catalyst for her international career, which brought her to recital halls all across North America, France, and even the USSR in 1971. (They divorced in 1975). and served on the board of the Canadian Music Center from 1979 to 1987.

In 1978 she was awarded an FRHCM (honorary fellow's degree) from the Royal Hamilton College of Music.

Death On November 26, 2004, Phyllis Mailing died of cancer in Vancouver, British Columbia. She was predeceased by her husband of twenty five years, SFU professor Tom Mallinson.

Discography