Henry Herford, a Scottish baritone, has died aged 79. He was notable for his warm tonal quality and his enterprising commitment to exploring lesser-known operatic and song repertory, consistently delivering compelling performances across more than 70 operatic roles throughout Britain and Europe. His contribution to British musical life lay particularly in championing neglected or esoteric works that might otherwise have remained unperformed.

Herford began his professional career with the Glyndebourne Opera Chorus in 1977-78 and subsequently worked with leading orchestras and conductors including Simon Rattle, Yehudi Menuhin, and John Eliot Gardiner. His extensive discography included two volumes of Charles Ives songs, a celebrated two-CD compilation of Arthur Bliss songs (2000) praised by BBC Music Magazine as "a revelatory document," and recordings with the King's College Choir and Philharmonia Orchestra. He appeared at the BBC Proms on three occasions, including twice at the Last Night, and recorded frequently with various chamber ensembles including the Nash Ensemble and Songmakers' Almanac.