Edward Johnson 1878-1959
Edward Johnson, one of the world's leading operatic tenors, was born in Guelph and lived for many years in a house which stood near this site. He studied in Italy and made his European debut in 1912 at Padua. During eight seasons he performed leading roles in Rome and at La Scala Theatre, Milan, and following extensive tours of Europe and South America, he joined the Chicago Opera Company in 1920. He became a principal member of the Metropolitan Opera Company, New York, in 1922, and from 1935-50 was general manager of the Metropolitan Opera Association. For many years he was also chairman of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. On retirement he devoted his time to the encouragement of young Canadian artists.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Ontario Plaques. Full page here.