Gordon Sandison has passed away.

Born August 13, 1949, Sandison first studied drama at the College of Dramatic Art in Glasgow and received his diploma in Speech and Drama. Later he went on to win a Caird Scholarship to study music at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and took part in a master class on BBC 2 with Sir Geraint Evans. He would later go on to be awarded the first John Noble Bursary, which enabled him to study abroad.

In 1972, he made his debut with the Scottish Opera Edinburgh International Festival and later went on to perform such roles as Marquis d’Obigny, Papageno, Figaro (both Rossini and Mozart), Schaunard, Demetrius, Malatesta, Don Giovanni, Belcore, Harlekin, Frank, Falke, Falstaff, Mr Flint, Don Alfonso and Marcello with the company. He also created the role of Dand in “Hermiston.”

During his career, Sandison made debuts at the Royal Opera House, Opera North, Kent Opera, and Glyndebourne, where he performed Masetto, Figaro, Dancaïre, Mayor in “Jenůfa.” He also performed with the New Sadler’s Wells Opera and at the Wexford Festival.

The baritone also went on to work in France, Belgium, Germany, Holland, the USA, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Israel.

The baritone recorded a number of operas and operettas including “HMS Pinafore” and “Ruddigore.”

“We were very sad to hear of the death of Gordon Sandison (knowns Donnie), who performed in many operas at Glyndebourne between 1982 and 2004 including ‘The Bartered Bride,’ ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ and ‘Carmen.’ Gordon’s family have asked us to pass on the details of his funeral, which will be held on Friday 7th December, 3:30 p.m. at Peterborough Crematorium. The reception will be at The Great Northern Hotel, Peterborough,” The Glyndebourne Festival said in a statement.