The following is extracted from Volume IV of the 1986 edition of South African Music Encyclopedia (J.P. Malan, ISBN 0 19 570311 1)
HUGH MACLEOD ROBERTSON, baritone, born 10 May 1931 in Pretoria
Both Robertson's parents were singers. His mother, Phyllis Heatly, was an outstanding contralto who won a scholarship and broadcast both for the BBC and in South Africa. His father was a fine bass, and his uncle, James MacLeod Robertson, a well-known bass-baritone. His grandfather and great grandfather were well-known singers in Scotland. Not surprisingly therefore, Hugh MacLeod showed early signs of vocal talent, and sang in trios with his parents on the Reef. Musical evenings at home were common. He started singing lessons at the age of eleven with Leah Williams, and won the Norgarb Cup in 1942 for the most outstanding performance at the Eisteddfod. There followed appearances at the 20th Century Theatre, and with the Pretoria Caledonian Choir, until his voice changed in 1948. He recommenced study with Mme Williams in 1951, did very well at the Johannesburg Eisteddfod, and has since broadcast recitals, sung with the SABC Orchestra, and had principal parts in La Boheme, Die Fledermaus, In the Drought (Joubert), Falstaff, and Silas Marner (Joubert).
Robertson is a versatile singer. Apart from operas, he is also at home in art songs, and is frequently approached to sing in performances of light music and ballads.
