WILSON, Hilda

Hilda Wilson (1860-1918) was a British contralto and composer who also used the name Matilda Ellen Wilson and composed under the name Douglas Hope.

Her vocal range in her early years was unusually wide. She was heard in concert in mezzo-soprano and soprano solos, and was invited to sing the soprano part in Haydn's The Creation before being guided towards a career as a contralto.

Wilson's compositions include: Nymphs and Shepherds (a "song play", including poems by Frederick Keel)and vocal compositions like 'From Overseas', 'My Roses', 'When Birds Do Sing' and 'Wheresoe'er You Are'.