Compiled by Judith Tydeman, Mar 2004; biographical note based on obituaries from the national press.
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Joan Cross was born in London in 1900. She attended St Paul's Girls' School where she was taught music by Gustav Holst. She studied singing at Trinity College of Music, and in 1923 joined the chorus of the Vic-Wells opera company at the Old Vic. Here she came to the attention of Lilian Baylis who singled her out as a soloist. From 1931 to 1946 Cross enjoyed a successful career as one of the leading sopranos of the Sadler's Wells Theatre opera company. She sang many roles from a wide repertory including Mozart's Pamina, Verdi's Aida and Elisabeth in Tannhäuser as well as parts in the first British performances of Rimsky-Korsakov's Snow Maiden and Tsar Saltan. Cross also sang Lady Macbeth in Lawrance Collingwood's Macbeth which was premiered in 1934. She only made a handful of performances at the Royal Opera House, starting in 1931 with Mimi in La Bohème and including Desdemona to Lauritz Melchior's Otello in 1934.
Cross took over the direction of Sadler's Wells Opera Company during the Second World War and was largely responsible for keeping the company together when it was forced to go on tour because their theatre was taken over as a rest centre. At this time she engaged Peter Pears, marking the beginning of their long friendship.
Sadler's Wells Theatre reopened on 7 June 1945 with the premiere of Britten's Peter Grimes in which Cross created the role of Ellen Orford. Rifts had appeared within the Sadler's Wells Company which resulted in Cross leaving to join what was to become the English Opera Group. With this group Cross premiered several leading roles which Britten had written with her in mind; the Female Chorus in The Rape of Lucretia at Glyndebourne in 1946, Lady Billows in Albert Herring at Glyndebourne in 1947 and Mrs Grose in The Turn of the Screw in Venice in 1954. Cross also performed the title role in Britten's Gloriana premiered at Covent Garden on 8 June 1953. She sang, however, relatively little in the post-war years and retired from singing in 1957.
Cross was also an active director and teacher. She began directing opera in 1946 with Der Rosenkavalier at Covent Garden and in 1950 she staged La Traviata for Sadler's Wells. Cross produced further operas for companies in London and abroad, primarily in Holland and with the Norwegian National Opera, where she directed the Norwegian premiere of Peter Grimes in 1965. She founded the Opera School (later the National School of Opera, then London Opera Centre) with Anne Wood in 1948 where she taught movement and interpretation. She died in Aldeburgh on 12 December 1993.
This collection comprises papers relating to the life and career of English soprano Joan Cross. There are items covering her whole career as singer, director, producer and teacher with Sadler's Well's Theatre, the English Opera Group and the Norwegian National Opera.
The material includes scrapbooks, programmes, correspondence, writings, publications, press cuttings, scores and photographs.
The collection includes a draft autobiography and performance diary.
Sections CRS/1-17 are material received from Joan Cross; section CRS/18 is material relating to Joan Cross received from other sources.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
The papers were received from Joan Cross and her estate, 1993-1995.
In Britten's and Pears's correspondence there are letters from Joan Cross to Britten from 1943 to 1976, and letters from Britten to Cross 1946 to 1957. There are also letters from Cross to Peter Pears, c.1971-c.1984.
See also accessions 2242-2248 for costume designs from the estate of Joan Cross.
See accession 2934 for Joan Cross's CBE medal.
Books, annotated published music and vocal scores, and audio-visual items from Joan Cross are catalogued on the library catalogue - search by Keyword 'estate of Joan Cross' to find these items on the catalogue. For art from Joan Cross search 'Joan Cross estate'.
The opera vocal scores and books are listed on the library catalogue.
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Scrapbooks kept by Cross, containing newspaper cuttings, reviews, programmes, photographs, telegrams and letters.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Scrap book containing newspaper cuttings, flyers, photographs, letters and programmes. Mainly relating to the years 1919-1920, it contains flyers for performances of the Messiah at Romford and Upminster in 1919, concerts by students of the Trinity College of music, including Cross, in 1920, and concerts at Kilburn and elsewhere, together with reviews from local newspapers. Towards the end are reviews of performances from the Old Vic and elsewhere in 1928. Inserts include a packet containing a photograph and cards from bouquets of flowers, and a programme from the prize-giving at St Paul's Girls' School 1915, in which Cross is listed as 'A. Cross', and won a prize for violin. Cross is listed as 'Annie Cross' for several events in 1919, including The Messiah at a concert on 23 April at Upminster in aid of St Dunstan's Hostel for soldiers and sailors blinded in the war.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Scrap book of newspaper cuttings, primarily of reviews, including Lohengrin, The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni and Macbeth at the Old Vic in 1928-1929. There are also loose inserted news clippings, and an extract copied out in Cross' hand 'Talk Happiness', at the end of the book.
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Scrap book containing programmes, newspaper cuttings, telegrams, letters and cards. Includes programmes for the Musicians Club Dinner 1933, and a Dinner and music at the Merchant Taylors' Hall, 1933, reviews of the Proms and photographs of Cross at Glyndebourne in 1935. Inserts include a flyer for the Sadler's Wells Opera 1944, with Cross as director, a programme of a concert of Beethoven's music by the Society of Symphonic players from 1933, featuring Cross as one of the soloists.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Scrap book containing telegrams wishing Cross luck, primarily in the roles of Desdemona and Micaela at Covent Garden and letters and cards congratulating her. The book contains many inserted items, including a letter from Lilian Baylis and programmes for La Traviata at Sadler's Wells in 1935, and the Leeds Triennial Music Festival 1934.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Scrap book containing press cuttings, programmes and letters. Reviews include Cross performing in Fledermaus at Sadler's Wells, Lohengrin at the Old Vic in 1935, Carmen at Sadler's Wells in 1935, and programmes for Il Trovatore at the Old Vic in 1923, and Aida at the Old Vic in 1927.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Scrap book containing a flyer for the Opera season at Covent Garden 1890, many newspaper reviews, including of Cross in Madam Butterfly at Sadler's Wells in 1937, and in many other productions primarily from Sadler's Wells, 1937-1938. Also contains many telegrams wishing Cross luck, cards which accompanied flowers, letters of congratulations. Inserts include letters and more cuttings, and a telegram.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Scrap book containing a letter from 10 Downing Street dated 30 November 1950, informing Cross that she will be made CBE in the New Years Day Honours of 1951, and many telegrams and letters of congratulations from January 1951. Inserts include the complete Honours list from the Daily Telegraph, 1 January 1951, a letter from Cross' mother, and instructions for the Investiture of 21 February 1951.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Scrap book with press cuttings from The Daily Mail and other British newspapers relating to operas including The Bartered Bride, The Marriage of Figaro, Dido and Aeneas, and Verdi's Falstaff. Includes production photographs, some of Joan Cross in costume.
There are also newspaper obituaries for Lillian Baylis in 1937.
Also includes autographed photographs of Charles Baker, Powell Lloyd and Percy [Hemming?], as well as production photographs for an unidentified opera, most taken by S W Debenham.
There are telegrams and letters, dated 1954, inserted in the back of the book.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Including items relating to the following operas;
The Bartered Bride, Faust and Cosi Fan Tutte
The scrapbook includes press cuttings and newspaper articles regarding Joan Cross in operas at Sadler's Wells, including an article for Faust and Cosi Fan Tutte from The Bystander in 1939.
Also includes production photographs for unknown productions, as well as photographs of Joan Cross with Anne Pollack from 1945.
Peter Grimes
Newspaper articles featuring Britten, Pears as Peter Grimes and Joan Cross as Ellen Orford. There are also newspaper reviews, including an article written by Tyrone Guthrie.
Includes photographs of Joan Cross, with Britten and Pears, on holiday in Zurich, as well as programmes for European performances of Grimes in Zurich in 1946. There are telegrams of good luck from Lawrance Collingwood, Con and Eric Morgan and many more. Includes production photographs of Peter Grimes. Some of the photographs have been autographed.
Tristan and Isolde and The Rosenkavalier
Rehearsal and production photographs, and photographs of the cast at Dartington Hall.
There are a number of loose letters, telegrams and press cuttings inserted in the pages towards the back of the book.
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Glyndebourne 1946, The Rape of Lucretia.
Inserted inside the front cover is a published copy of the libretto for The Rape of Lucretia and four postcards from Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, 1945-1948.
The scrap book also contains news articles, cast lists and programmes, production photographs of the Opera House, telegrams and letters of good luck, and cards from Nancy Evans, Kathleen Ferrier and more.
There are newspaper and magazine reviews and press cuttings from The New Yorker, The New York Times, Radio Times and other European and British papers.
Also includes photographs of the cast; Nancy Evans, Eric Crozier, Ronald Duncan, Britten, Pears and more.
Glyndebourne 1947, Albert Herring
Includes newspaper articles and reviews, programmes, an invitation to Buckingham Palace, programmes for European performances, mostly in the Netherlands, a postcard from Britten and Pears and letters from friends.
There are also photographs of Aldeburgh, and papers relating to Britten's operas from 1951-1954 such as Billy Budd and Gloriana.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Pages of a scrap book of newspaper cuttings, primarily of reviews of Cross, including in Gloriana, Spring Symphony, Fledermaus, also in Carmen, and other operas. Also included are loose items, which were inserted in the album.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Pages from a scrap book relating to the English Opera Group and to Cross at Glyndebourne. It includes a list of personnel of the EOG in their first season of 1947, telegrams from 1946 to Cross at Glyndebourne, and some photographs.
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Scrap book relating to Cross' 70th birthday. It contains telegrams and cards wising her happy birthday and an insert of a typed list titled 'List of Contributors'.
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Scrap book of photographs of Cross in California.
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Leaves from more than one scrap book with newspaper cuttings pasted in. The operas reviewed include La Boheme, Othello, Lohengrin, and Rimsky Korsakoff's Snow Maiden, all at Sadler's Wells in 1933, Lohengrin in 1932 at the Old Vic, all of which Cross sang in. There are cuttings from 1927 of Lawrance Collingwood's Macbeth, which Cross sang in. Also included are loose cuttings and photographs, which were associated with these pages.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Programmes collected by Joan Cross. These are predominately for operas and recitals that Joan Cross performed in herself, as well as some productions that she produced and directed. Most are in Sadler's Wells and The Old Vic Theatre in London.
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Conducted by Charles Corri with Joan Cross performing the role of Elizabeth. Performed on 26, 28 Feb and 14 March.
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Special visit of the Old Vic Opera Company. Joan Cross plays one of Three Ladies in attendance on the Queen of Night, conducted by Charles Corri. Performed on 10 and 13 June.
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Performers include Joan Cross, Madame Radcliffe Lewis, Sydney Coltham, Dawson Freer, with Sydney G. Harper as the organist. Conducted by A E Hockey.
Venue: Avenue Baptist Church, Milton Road, Southend-On-Sea.
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Conducted by Charles Corri with Joan Cross performing the role of Elizabeth.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Performed by Joan Cross, Norman Smith, Freda Swain, Eric Metcalfe and the cast of Collingwood's Macbeth opera.
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Production of Lawrance Collingwood's Macbeth, with Joan Cross as Lady Macbeth.
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Conducted by Charles Corri and produced by Frederick Hudson, with Joan Cross as Elsa.
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Performed on 19, 21 and 28 April. Conducted by Charles Corri and produced by Frederick Hudson, with Joan Cross as Venus.
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Programme signed by Lotte Lehmann, for a recital with Lotte Lehmann as a soprano and Harold Craxton on pianoforte.
Works performed:
Brahms: Die Mainacht; Brahms: Dein blaues Auge; Brahms: Wiegenlied; Brahms: Vergebliches Standchen; Schubert: An die Musik; Schubert: Litanei; Schubert: Ave Maria; Schumann: Frauenliee und Leben; Strauss: Befreit; Strauss: Traum durch die Dammerung; Strauss: Heimliche Aufforderung.
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First time being performed at The Old Vic. Produced by Harcourt Williams.
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Concert in aid of the Sadler's Wells Fund, organised by Joan Cross.
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Performers include Joan Cross, Muriel Wright, Edward Leer and Howard Fry. Conducted by Sydney Harpour.
Venue: Avenue Baptist Church, Milton Road, Southend-On-Sea.
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Performed on the 14th and 20th May. Conducted by Lawrance Collingwood, with Joan Cross as Madam Butterfly.
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Recital with Joan Cross as soprano and Lawrance Collingwood on piano. Includes flyer for the event. Programme is annotated inside.
Works performed include:
Medtner: The Muse; Medtner: Mailied; Medtner: Sieh mich Heil'ger; Medtner: Im Vorubergehen; Medtner: Tranen; Medtner: Nahe des Geliebten; Medtner: Arion; Debussy: C'est l'extase langoureuse; Debussy: Voici que le printemps; Debussy: La chevelure; Debussy: Chevaux de bois; Rimsky-Korsakov: Night; Ippolitoff-Ivanoff: Far on the Road; Balakirev: Aong of the Golden Fish; Collingwood: November; Collingwood: Not all in vain; Collingwood: Nightingales; Mozart: Crudele, Ah no mio bene; Mozart: Non mi dir.
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Conducted by Aylmer Buesst and Sydney Russell, with Joan Cross as Antonia.
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First performance of The Masked Ball by the Vic-Wells Company. Conducted by Charles Corri and produced by Sydney Russell, with Joan Cross playing the role of Amelia, Renato'a wife. Performed on 27 Jan and 2 Feb.
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Performance of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at Sadler's Wells on 27th Feb and at The Old Vic on 2nd Mar. Conducted by Lawrance Collingwood and prodcued by Sydney Russell. Performers include Joan cross as Countess Almaviva.
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Performances at Sadler's Wells on 8 and 30 April, and a performance at The Old Vic on 13 April. Conducted by Geoffrey Toyre, and produced by Sydney Russell, with Joan Cross as Donna Anna.
Performed on 8, 13, 30 April.
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Performed on 9 and 12 November at The Old Vic and on 19 November at Sadler's Wells. Conducted by Aylmer Buesst, with Joan Cross performing as Fiordilgi.
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Performed at The Old Vic on 30 Nov and 3 Dec, and at Sadler's Wells on 8 Dec. There is a folded insert glued into the front page with 'Miss Joan Cross' written on the front. This is a typescript copy of opera rehearsals, 1932, with handwritten annotations, likely highlighting the rehersals for Joan Cross to attend. There is also photograph on a board glued to the back of the programme. This photograph is of Joan Cross, and was taken by J W Debenham, in Wellesden.
This is also the first public performance of Arthur Benjain's The Devil Take Her. This performance was conducted by Lawrance Collingwood, produced by John B Gordon, with Joan Cross as Dido.
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Performed on the 25 and 28 January. Conduced by Aylmer Buesst, with Joan Cross performing as Desdemona and Arthur Cox as Othello.
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Conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham.
Venue: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.
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This programme is torn around the edges.
Conducted by Antonino Votto.
Venue: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.
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Conducted by Sir Henry Wood, with Joan Cross and Browning Mummery as soloists, Bernard Shore on viola, Lauri kennedy on cello and Stanley Marchant on organ.
Works performed:
Ambroise Thomas: Overture Mignon; Bizet: Micaela's Song (Carmen); William Walton: Suite for Orchestra; Leoncavallo: Vesti la guibba (I Pagliacci); Verdi: La donna e mobile (Rigoletto); Strauss: Symphonic Poem Don Quixote; Handel: Concert No 11 in G minor; Schubert: The Sheperd on the Rock; Landon Ronald: Prelude, A Cycle of Life; Mackenzie: Overture Britannia.
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Conducted by John Barbirolli.
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First public performance of Lawrance Collingwood's opera. Conducted by Lawrance Collingwood and produced by Sumner Austin.
Performed on 12, 14, 18 April.
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Conducted by Sir Henry Wood. Performers include Joan Cross as soprano and Harriet Cohen on piano.
Works performed:
Wagner: Prelude, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg; Charpentier: Aria, Depuis le jour (Louise); Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in B minor; Arnld Bax: Symphonic Variations for pianoforte and Orchestra; Stravinsky: Suite, The Firebird; Liszt: Mephisto Walzer, Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke; Moussorgsky: Oriental Chant; Rachmaninov: Spring Waters; Hindemith: Overture, News of the Day.
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Programme for a talk on Smetana's The Bartered Bride by Lawrance A Collingwood, with musical illustrations by Tudor Davies, Joan Cross and Arnold Matters. Includes insert advertising performances of The Bartered Bride at Sadler's Wells on 29 Nov and 07 Dec, as well as the recording by The Gramophone Company.
Venue: The Czechoslovak Legation, 8 Grosvenor Place, London.
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Joan Cross with Cecil Belcher as pianist.
Works performed:
Mozart: Songs from The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni; Debussy: C'est l'extase langoureuse; Debussy: Voici que le printemps; Debussy: L'echelonnement des haies; Debussy: Chevaux de bois; Bax: The White Peace; tkins?: Too Late; Collingwood: Cherry Ripe; Parry: A Birthday; Verdi: Songs from Othello, La Forza Del Destino and Ernani.
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Programme for a week-long event of concerts at the Bournemouth Pavillion.
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Programme book with calendar of events for the BBC Promenade Concerts in 1936, conducted by Sir Henry Wood with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
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Conducted by Sir Henry Wood. Performers include Joan Cross as soprano; Trefor Jones as a soloist; Moiseiwitsch on solo pianoforte.
Works performed:
Weber: Overture, Oberon; Bach: Air on the G string; Bach: Gavotte in E, for Strings; Rutland Boughton: Song of the Creation (The Immortal Hour); Rutland Boughton: The Faery Song (The Immortal Hour); Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini; Grieg: Suite for Peer Gynt No. 1; Verdi: Recit. and Cavatina, Ernani involami; Ravel: Boldeo; William Wallace: Symphonic Poem, Villon; Rachmaninov: Prelude in G; Rachmaninov: Prelude in B flat; Percy Grainger: Mock Morris; Percy Grainger: Shepherd's Hey.
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Conducted by Warwick Braitwaithe and prodcued by Clive Carey, with Joan Cross as Mimi.
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From the 1st of a series of three concerts presented by Harold Holt and George Reeves.
Works performed:
Debussy: Proses Lyriques, Le Promenoir des Deux Amants, Recueillement, Fetes Galantes, Minuet, Trois Chansons de Bilitis and Ballade des Femmes de Paris; Brahms: Cello Sonata in E minor; Villa Lobos: The Song of the Black Swan; Cassado: Requierbros
Venue: Grotrian Hall.
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The second of three concerts, with George Reeves on piano.
Works performed:
Mozart: Songs from The Marriage of Figaro; Mozart: L'amero (Il Re Pastore); Gretry: Vous etiez ce que vous n'etes plus; Gretry: Romance: Les Meprises dde Ressemblances; Weckerlin: Philis plus avare que tendre; de Severac: Offrande; Dalayrac: Jeunes Filletes; Rubinstein: Sang des Voglein; Rubinstein: Lied; Brahms: Die Schwestern; Brahms: Walpurgisnacht; Chausson: Reveil; Delibes: Viens, Mallika.
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Includes the stories Opera 1895 by Lawrance Collingwood, Shakespeare 1914 by Edith Evans and Tyrone Guthrie, The Ballet 1931 by Ninette de Valois. There is a list of previous speakers inside.
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Conducted by Wynn Reeves.
Works perfomed:
Mackenzie: Overture Britannia; Rossin: Una voce poco fa (The Barber of Seville); Schubert: Symphony No 7; Scarlatti-Tommasini: Suite from the ballet The Good-Humoured Ladies; Granados: Goyescas; Rimsky-Korsakov: Cortege de Noces.
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Conducted by Sir Henry Wood. Performers include Joan Cross as soprano; Harold Williams as soloist; and Louis Kentner on piano.
Works performed:
Weber: Overture, Der Freischutz; Verdi: Aria, Salce (Otello); Liszt: Concerto No 2 in A for pianoforte and Orchestra; Handel: Largo in G: Moussorgsky: Recit. and Aria, I have attained to power (Boris Godounov); Beethoven: Symphony No 7 in A; William Walton: Suite, Facade; Bartok: Evening in the Szekely Country; Weiner: Hungarian Folk Tune; Dohnanyi: Capriccio in F minor; Schubert: Marche Militaire in D.
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Second Chamber Concert for the 14th season 1937-1938 of St John's Wood and South Hampstead Music Club.
Works performed: Mozart: Songs from Le Nozze di Figaro; Purcell: Thy hand Belinda; Purcell: Air: When I am laid in earth; Purcell: From rosy bowers (Don Quixote); Ravel: Le Martin-Pecheur; Felix Fourdrain: Le Papillon; Poldowski: Le Singe; Hue: L'Ane Blanc; Moussorgsky: La pie bavarde; Rubinstein: Sang des Voglein; Rubinstein: Lied; Brahms: Die Schwestern; Brahms: Walpurgisnacht; Chausson: Reveil
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Performed on the 8 and 11 Dec, starring Roderick Lloyed, Arnold Matters, John Wright, Joan Cross, Cecilia Wessels and Edith Coates. Conducted by Lawrance Collingwood and Sumner Austin.
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Programme book with calendar of events for the BBC Promenade Concerts in 1938, conducted by Sir Henry Wood with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
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Includes annotations to the text of Weber's Softly Sighs performed by Joan Cross.
Conducted by Sir Henry Wood. Performers include Joan Cross as soprano; Tom Williams as a soloist; Clifford Curzon on piano.
Works performed:
Smetana: Overture, The artered Bride; Verdi: Aria, Credo (Othello); John Ireland: Cocnerto for pianoforte and Orchestra; Weber: Scena and Aria, Softly Sighs (Der Freischutz); Rimsky-Korsakov: Symphonic Suite, Scheherazade; Dukas: Scherzo, L'Apprenti Sorcier; M W White: Cavalier Songs; arr. Henry Wood: Fantasia on British Sea Songs.
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For the 1938-1939 season. Conducted by Lawrance Collingwood, produced by Clive Carey, and featuring Joan Cross as Countess Almaviva.
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Open
For the 1938-1939 season. Conducted by Lawrance Collingwood, produced by Clive Carey, and featuring Joan Cross as Countess Almaviva.
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Open
South Place Sunday Concert Society's 1336th concert. Performers include Anna Nelson, Ida Nelson, Zara Nelson, Joan Cross, and Geoffrey Corbett.
Works performed:
Tchaikovsky: Trio in A Minor; Medtner: I loved you well; Medtner: See me Lord; Medtner: Roses; Medtner: At the Cloister Door; Morena Torroba arr. Cassado: Fandanguillo; Debussy arr. Feuillard: La fille aux cheveux de lin; Paderewski arr. Cassado: Minuet; Feltzer: Scherzo; Chopin: Ballade in G minor; Dvorak-Kreisler: Slavonic Dance in G minor; Kreisler: Liebeslied; Wieniawski: Mazurka; Hubert P Harry: The Maiden; Herbert Howells: Gavotte; Vaughan Williams: The Water Mill; arr. M Kennedy Fraser: Isle of my heart; arr. M Kennedy Fraser: The Cockle Gatherer; arr. Arnold Bax: O dear what can the matter be?; Haydn: Trio in F Sharp minor.
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Betteshanger Music Festival Society.
Works performed:
Purcell: From Rosy Bow'rs; Mozart: Ah, lo so (Magic Flute); Mozart: Voi che sapete and Dove sono (Nozze di Figaro); Schumann: Gesanges Erwachen; Schumann: An Anna; Schumann: Erinnerung; Schumann: Sehnsucht; Debussy: Voici que le printemps; Debussy: L'echelonnement des Haies; Debussy: C'est l'extase langoureuse; Debussy: Chevaux de bois.
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Programme for Joan Cross and Nicolas Orloff recital for the 11th Season Cortauld-Sargent Concerts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Includes programme of events for the 11th season.
Performers include Joan Cross as soprano; Nicolas Orloff on piano; David McCallum playing violin; Anthony Pini playing cello; Leon Goossens playing oboe; and Gerald Moore playing pianoforte.
Works performed:
Bach: Cantata No. 202; Scarlatti: Sonatas; Brahms: Variations on a theme of Paganini; Lully: Amadis; Dauvergne: Les Troqueurs; Duparc: L'Echelonnement des Haies; Duparc: Le Manoir de Rosemonde; Duparc: Voici que le Printemps; Debussy: La Belle au Bois Dormant
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Conducted by Ivor Owen with R T Hughes as the accompanist. Performers include Joan Cross as soprano; Ronald Hill as tenor; Sara Buckley as contralto; Harold Williams as bass; with The Morgan Lloyd Orchestra.
Venue: Brangwyn Hall.
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Inscribed 'with my compliments, A. W. Heap'. Includes programme details for Judas Maccabaeus on 6 Dec 1939 and Faust on 6 Mar 1940. Principals for The Messiah are Joan Cross, Keith Falkner, May Pearson and Webster Booth, accompanied by the Northern Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted by Malcolm Sargent.
Venue: Eastbrook Hall
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Concert in aid of The Warden's Fund for Finsbury's evacuated children. Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite and Lawrance Collingwood. Soloists are Joan Cross, Edith Coates, Tudor Davies, Redvers Llewellyn, with The Sadler's Wells Symphony Orchestra.
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Programme for concert conducted by Sir Henry Wood, with Basil Coleman as associate conductor. Programme notes by Rosa Newmarch and Edwin Evans. This concert includes the first performance of Theodore Holland's Poem for Viola and Orchestra Ellingham Marshes.
Performers include Joan Cross as soprano; Frank Titterton as a soloist; Moiseiwitsch on piano; and Winifred Copperwheat playing the viola.
Works performed:
Bach-Elgar: Fantasia and Fugue in C minor; Berlioz: Danse des Sylphes (La Damnation de Faust); Berlioz: Menuet des follets (La Damnation de Faust); Berlioz: Marche Hongroise (La Damnation de Faust); Handel: Aria, Let the bright Seraphim (Samson); Rachmarinoff: Pianoforte Concerto no 1 in F sharp minor; Theodore Holland: Poem for Viola and Orchestra Ellingham Marshes; Puccini: Aria, Che gelida manina (La Boheme); Strauss: Symphonc Poem Don Juan; Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnole; Ivor Atkins: Too Late; Parry: Crabbed Age and Youth; Dvorak: Sngs my mother taught me; M V White: So we'll go no more a'roving; Mozart: Overture, Le Nozze di Figaro.
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Programme for Tchaikovsky Concert conducted by Sir Henry Wood. Includes first performance of William H Harris' Overture Once upon a time, conducted by the composer.
Performers include: Joan Cross as soprano; Thelma Reiss on violoncello; Clifford Curzon on piano.
Works performed:
Tchaikovsky: Chant sans Paroles; Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, for Violoncello and Orchestra; Tchaikovsky: Joan of Arc's Farewell; Tchaikovsky: Pianoforte Concerto in B flat minor; Tchaikovsky: Symhony No 4 in F minor; William H Harris: Overture, Once upon a time; Grieg: Springtide; Grieg: Good morning; Lalo: Norweigan Rhapsody.
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Concert in aid of the Winter Comforts Fund for Troops in this Area by X Corps. Conducted by A Hibbert. Performers include John Gielgud, Ursula Jeans Roger Livesey, Martita Hunt, George Howe, Margot Fonteyn, Robert Helpman, Joan Cross, and the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals.
Venue: Majestic Cinema, Darlington.
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85th Season of the Bradford Festival. Starring Joan Cross, Muriel Gale, Walter Widdop and William Parsons, accompanied by the Northern Philharmonic Orchestra, and conducted by Roy Henderson.
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Conducted by Herbert Menges with the Sadler's Wells Opera Orchestra and Joan Cross.The serenade concerts with Joan Cross took place on 24 Nov and 29 Nov.
Arranged by Sadler's Wells opera and Cambridge Arts Theatre Trust, this programme includes the dates for performances of The Requiem Mass, The Magic Flute, Four Serenade Concerts and The Marriage of Figaro.
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Performers include Joan Cross as soprano, Peter Pears as tenor, Tom Williams as baritone, and Peter Gellhorn on pianoforte.
Works performed:
Verdi: Credo (Othello); Mozart: Song from Il Seraglio; Donizetti: Una Furtiva Lagrima (L'elisir d'amore) and Com' E Gentil (Don Pasquale); Verdi: Eri Tu (Ballo in Maschera); Suppe: Scena (Pique Dame); Verdi: Pace, Pace, mio Dio (Forza del Destino).
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For the 1943-1944 season at Sadler's Wells, and introduced as the new English version of Smetana's The Bartered Bride by Joan Cross and Eric Crozier. Conducted by Lawrance Collingwood and produced by Eric Crozier, with performers including Peter Pears, Arthur Servent and Owen Brannigan. Programme icludes press notices from papers such as The Times and The Spectator, as well as articles including an Introduction by Joan Cross, Producing The Bartered Bride by Eric Crozier, Smetana's Comic Opera by A J Patzakova and The Bartered Bride as a symbol by Ota Ornest.
Two copies.
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14th Saturday concert for the season 1943-1944.
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite, with Reginald Whitehouse playing the violin and Joan Cross, as a soprano, accompanied by The Scottish Orchestra.
Works performed:
Mozart: Don Giovanni; Mozart: Aria, L'Amero; Schumann: Symphony No.2 in C; Prokofieff: Symphonie Classique; Weber: Recitative and Aria; Strauss: Tone poem "Don Juan".
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Conducted by Herbert Menges, with Joan Cross as the Dircetor of Opera and Lawrance Collingwood as Musical Director. Performers include Joan Cross and Peter Pears. This programme has been annotated.
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Conducted by John Tobin and Malcolm Sargent, with the Liverpool Philharmonic Choir. Soloists include Joan Cross, Peter Pears, Margaret McArthur and Ronald Stear. Also includes a list of musicians in the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Works performed:
Shostakovich: Symphony in No. 1 in F minor; Tippett: A Child of our Time.
Includes loose leaflet page inside advertising more concerts.
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From the Liverpool Philharmonic Society's 106th Season. Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and choir conducted by John Tobin, with soloists Joan Cross, Margaret McArthur, Jan van der Gucht, and Clement Hardman, conducted by Michael Tippett.
Works performed:
arr. Elgar: God Save the King; Corelli: Christmas Eve Concerto; Setting by Buxtehyde: Un Dulci Jubilo; Handel: Christmas Music from The Messiah; Tippett: A Child of our Time.
Venue: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool.
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Concert in aid of the British Red Cross Society and Prisoners of War Fund.
Performers include: Joan Cross, soprano; Tom Culbert, tenor; Owen Brannigan, bass-baritone; Kenneth Wilson, piano; Alfred Campoli, violin
Works performed:
Mozart: Madamina (Don Giovanni); Weber: Softly Sighs (Der Freischutz); Bizet: Flower Song (Carmen); Bach: Air on the G String; Elgar: La Capricieuse; Paganini-Kreisler: La Campanella; Benedict: The moon hath raised (Lily of Killarney; Flotow: M'Appari (Marta); Mozart: I Remember (Marriage of Figaro); Mozart: O Isis and Orisis (Magic Flute); Mozart: When a Maiden takes your fancy (Il Seraglio); Schubert-Wilhemj: Ave Maria; Paderwski: Minuet in G; Bazzini: The Goblin's Dance; Gounod: Excerpts from Faust.
Venue: Central Hall, Grimsby, London
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Conducted by Herbert Menges, with the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, at The Dome in Brighton.
Works performed:
Mozart: Overture The Magic Flute; Mozart: Songs from Don Giovanni; Smetana: Ballet Music, The Bartered Bride; Puccini: Finale (Act 1, La Boheme); Wagner: Overture Tannhauser: Wagner: Elsa's Prayer, (Lohengrin); Wagner: Wotan's Farewell and Magic Fire Music; Wagner: Elizabeth's Greeting (Tannhauser); Wagner: Siegfried's Journey to the Rhine, (Gotterdammerung).
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Fourth Season 1944-1945 of Boosey and Hawkes concerts.
In Cambridge Theatre on 28th May:
Conducted by Karl Rankl, with the Strongs of the Lndon Philharmonic Orchestra. Performers include Else Cross, piano; Denis Egan, trumpet; Charles Gregory, horn; Cuthbert Kelly, speaker, and Peter Pears, tenor. Works performed: Handel: Concerto in G minor; Schoenberg: Ode to Napoloeon Buonaparte; Shostakovich: Concerto; Britten: Serenade.
In Wigmore Hall, London on 31st May:
Concert-introduction to Peter Grimes, introduced by Eric Crozier and Tyrone Guthrie. Performers include Peter Pears, Joan Cross, Edith Coates, Owen Brannigan, Valetta Jacopi, Roderick Jones, Edmund Donlevy, Morgan Jones, Blanche Turner, Minnia Bower, Tom Culbert, and Benjamin Britten at the piano.
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Programme for the four week season at the King's Theatre in Hammersmith, London, for performances of La Boheme, Madame Butterfly and more.
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Conducted by Frank Hollows. The performers are Joan Cross, soprano; Nancy Evans, contralto; Walter Widdop, tenor; Roderick Jones, baritone. The cover of the programme has been annotated.
Works performed:
Verdi: Chorus of Soldiers (Il Trovatore); Schubert: Chorus of Spirits (Rosamunde); Verdi: Credo (Otello); Weber: Softly Sighs (Der Freischutz); Wagner: Prize Song (Die Miestersingers); Verdi: Duet from Act II La Traviata; Verdi: O Don Fatale (Don Carlos); Weber: Huntsmen's Chorus (Der Freischutz); Mozart: Chorus of Priests (Magic Flute); Humperdinck: Duet, Evening Prayer (Hansel and Gretel); Puccini: E Lucevan Le Stella (Tosca); Bizet: Habanera and Sequadille (Carmen); Puccini: Duet Fickle-hearted Mimi (Boheme); Mozart: Voi Che Sapete (Figaro); Auber: Zerlina's Cavatina (Fra Diavolo); Verdi: Eri Tu (Un Ballo in Maschera); Verdi: Miserere Duet (Il Trovatore).
Venue: Palace Cinema, Barrow.
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Conducted by Ernest Craig, accompanied by Arnold Eastwood, with Joan Cross as a soprano and Louis Kentner on piano. Grand concert by the Oldham Musical Society.
Works performed:
Rowley: My Love's like a Lily; Granville Bantock: Awake awake; Chopin: Sonata in B flat minor (Funeral March); Rachmaninoff arr. Lucas: Tolling Bells; Handel: Angels ever bright and fair; Haydn: With verdure clad; Ciro Pinsuti: When hands meet; Maurice Blower: Where lies the land; arr. W Mcnaught: Nymphs and Shepherds; Eaton Faning: Liberty; Mozart: Voi che sapete (Figaro); Auber: Zerlina's Cavatine (Fra Diavolo); H Brookes: In the twilight; Ravel: Ondine; Bantok: Four pieces for childen; Balakirev: Islamey; Charles A E Harriss: Empire of the Sea.
Venue: Co-operative Hall, King Streett, Oldham.
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Conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. Includes a programme insert noting that Maggi Teyte is unable to perform and Joan Cross is substituting her place; and singing Mozart's Recit and Aria Dove Sono (Figaro) instead of Gluck Aria.
Works performed:
Rossini: Overture William Tell; Mozart: Symphony No 35 in D; Vaughan Williams: Norfolk Rhapsody No 1; Strauss: Symphonic Poem, Till Eulenspiegel; Tchaikovsky: Tatiana's Love Song from Eugene Onegin; Borodin: Polovstian March and Dances (Prince Igor).
Venue: St Andrew's Hall, Norwich.
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Conducted by Ernest Ansermet and produced by Eric Crozier. Performers include Norman Walker as Collatinus, Edmund Donlevy as Junius, Frank Rogier as Tarquinius, Kathleen Ferrier as Lucretia, Anna Pollak as Bianca, Margaret Ritchie as Lucia, and Aksel Schiotz and Flora Nielsen as the male and female Chorus.
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Conducted by Karl Rankl. Performers include Kirsten Flagstad, Joan Cross, Norman Walker with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, performing Act III Die Walkure.
Includes typescript note with handwritten annotations on music and tempo.
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Second Series of Merseyside Industrial Concerts, with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, presented by the Liverpool Philharmonic Society. Conducted by Malcolm Sargent, with Joan Cross as a soloist. Included is a programme insert inside with changes to a concert, with handwritten lyrics on the back.
Works performed:
Smetana: Overture The Bartered Bride; Wagner: Elsa's Dream, Lohengrin; Wagner: Elisabeth's Greeting, Tannhauser; Mozart: Symphony No 40 in G minor; Tchaikovsky: Letter Scene, Eugene Onegin; Stravinksy: Suite from the ballet The Firebird.
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Open
Includes two press cuttings of Marion Thorpe in her wedding dress, and of the Princess Royal.
Works performed:
Bach: Prelude and Fugue in A; Bach: Sheep may safely graze; Handel: Air; Mozart: March of the priests; Britten: Amo Ergo Sum; Mozart: Motet: Ave verum; Bach: To thee Jehovah; Buxtehude: O moment of gladness; Purcell: Trumpet tune and ayre.
Venue: St Mark's Church, North Audley Street.
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Programme for La Traviata for the 1949-1950 season at Sadler's Wells. Conducted by Michael Mudie, and produced by Joan Cross.
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Conducted by Eduard Van Beinum. Performers include Joan Cross, soprano; Anne Wood, contralto; Peter Pears, tenor; the London Philharmonic Choir; and the Boy's Choir from London Schools' Music Association, Lambeth Branch.
Works performed:
Mendelssohn: Overture, A Midsummer Night's Dream; Mozart: Symphony No 39 in E flat; Britten: Spring Symphony.
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Programme for Albert Herring, The Rape of Lucretia, Let's Make an Opera, Dido and Aeneas and Il Combattimento do Tancreid e Clorinda. Soloists included Pears (tenor), Joan Cross (soprano). Britten conducted some of the performances, with Norman del Mar and Josef Krips as the alternate conductors. The programme contains information about prices, and photographs of the conductors and some of the soloists (including Britten and Pears).
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Concert in aid of The Editha Knocker Memorial Fund, for the Rural Music Schools Association, with Joan Cross as soprano; Martin Penny as the accompanist; Jean Hamilton playing pianoforte. There is a press cutting inserted inside the programme with a review of Eugene Onegin at Sadler's Wells.
Works performed:
Mozart: Concert Aria; Arne: Sonata in G major; Duparc: L'invitation au voyage; Duparc: Extase; Duparc: Chanson triste; Duparc: Phydille; Poulenc: Pastourelle; Poulenc: Allemande; Poulenc: Novelette in C major; Poulenc: Toccata.
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Concert by the English Opera Group. Performed by Joan Cross, soprano; Anne Pollak, mezzo-soprano; Peter Pears, tenor; Trevor Anthony, bass; Benjamin Britten, piano. Includes introduction titled Aims and Achievements by the Earl of Harewood.
Works performed:
Mozart: Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail; Mozart: Ah guarda sorella, Cosi Fan Tutte; Mozart: Il mio tesoro, Don Giovanni; Mozart: Quartet, Cosi Fan Tutte; Verdi: Pace pace, La forza del destino; Verdi: Ai nostri monti, Il Traovatore; Verdi: Il lacerato spirito, Simone Boccanegra; Verdi: Terzetto, Della citta all' occaso, Dallo in Maschera; Verdi: O quel pallor, La Traviata; Beethoven: Mir ist so wunderbar; Mussorgsky: In the twon of Kazan; Smetana: Our dream of love and This girl I found you (The Bartered Bride); Strauss: Chacun a son gout and So muss allein ich bleiben (Die Fledermaus); Gay arr. Britten: Songs and Duets from The Beggar's Opera.
Venue: Odeon Cinema, Lowestoft
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Open
Covent Garden Opera programme for Jul - Aug 1953. Britten's Gloriana conducted by Reginald Goodall, and produced by Basil Coleman, with the Covent Garden Opera Chorus and Covent Garden Orchestra. Joan Cross is in the role of Queen Elizabeth I. This programme includes photographs of performers, and is signed by Geraint Evans' underneath his image for The Marriage of Figaro.
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Conducted by Vilem Tausky, and Myer Fredman (student conductor); with Viola Tunnard and Martin Penny on piano.
Performances of Mozart: Bastien and Bastienne; and Ethel Smyth: The Boatswain's Mate.
Venue: Rudolf Steiner Theatre.
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Conudcted by John Pritchard, with Joan Cross performing as Countess Almaviva, alongside others such as Anna Pollak, Geraint Evans, Edith Coates and more.
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English Opera Group and Cambridge Arts Theatre. Performers include Peter Pears, Jennifer Vyvyan and Joan Cross. The Turn of the Screw conducted by Britten, and Let's Make an Opera conducted by Norman Del Mar and Charles Mackerras.
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To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the re-opening of Sadler's Wells Theatre on 6 Jan 1931. Prologue of the performance was written by Christopher Hassal and spoken by Joan Cross.
Works performed:
Bizet: The Pearl Fishers; Gounod: Faust; Verdi: Simone Boccanegra; Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro; Humperdrinck: Hansel and Gretel; Tschaikovsky: Le Lac de Cygnes; Semtana: The Battered Bride.
Two copies. Both have an insert inside titled Twelfth Night 1956.
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Includes the programme details and dates for performances of Britten's The Turn of the Screw, John Blow's Venus and Adonis in a new realisation by Imogen Holst, Lennox Berkeley's Ruth, Gustav Holst's Savitri, and Façade: Poems and music by Edith Sitwell and William Walton.
Venue: Scala Theatre, Charlotte Street, London.
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Programme for Thomas Beecham Concerts Society last six concerts of the season with the Royal philharmonic
Venue: Royal Festival Hall, London
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Includes programme details for Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers. Conducted by James Loughran, and produced by Joan Cross.
Venue: King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
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Includes details of the Festival calendar for 1973.
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Typescript programme sheet for Alice, an opera by Matthew Best, at the 32nd Aldeburgh Festival in 1979. Includes ticket for the 2nd performance on 22nd June.
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First page inscribed with 'Elizabeth Melville with Abigail, 23/05/89'. Conducted by Roger Norrington.
Includes the article The Serious Comedy of Albert Herring by Roger Clark. Performed on 1, 4, 9, 12, 17, 23 May.
Venue: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
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Performers include Jessie Hall, piano; Frances Allsom, soprano; William Biggs, tenor; Lawrance Collingwood, piano.
Works performed:
Medtner: Trois Novelles; Medtner: The flower; Medtner: Roses; Medtner: I loved thee well; Medtner: Sleepless Night; Collingwood: Sonata No 2; Collingwood: When that I loved a maide; Collingwood: Cloths of Heaven; Collingwood: June; Collingwood: Exceeding sorrow; Collingwood: Oh I would live in a dairy; Medtner: Elegy; Medtner: Life's Waggon; Scriabin: Prelude No 3; Scriabin: Prelude No 16; Scriabin: Prelude No 10; Scriabin: Etudes Nos 10 and 12.
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Concert programme for the first of five Afternoon concerts from 5 Nov to 3 Dec, conducted by Sir Henry Wood, with Joan Cross and Moiseiwtsch.
Works performed:
Berlioz: Overture Le Carnaval Romain; Mozart: Dove Sono (Le Nozze di Figaro); Rachmaninoff: Concerto No 2; Schubert: Symphony No 8 in B Minor; Schubert: The Shepherd on the Rock; Sibelius: Finlandia.
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Sadler's Wells Opera Company programme for The Magic Flute, feauting Joan Cross as Pamina and as the Director of the Opera on Tour. Programme includes other operas of the season; including La Traviata, The Barber of Seville, Madame Butterfly and Rigoletto. Also includes air raid warning.
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Sadler's Wells Opera Company programme for La Traviata, produced by Tyrone Guthrie and Powell Lloyd. Performance conducted by Herbert Menges. Joan Cross is listed as the Director of the Opera on Tour. Programme includes air raid warning.
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The 4th of 5 concerts arranged by Britten and Pears in aid of the 'Save Europe Now' Fund.
Performed by Joan Cross with the London Harpsichord Ensemble.
Works performed:
Bach: Non sa che sia dolore, Concerto in D minor, Weichet nur Btrubte Schatten and Suite No 2 in B minor.
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In aid of the Hoskyn Orthopaedic Fund. Performed by Joan Cross, Haydn Rogerson, Mamie Rogerson, Alan Melville, Kenneth Johnson and Robert Irwin.
Works performed:
Sammartini: Sonata in G; Handel: Dove sei amato bene?; Handel: Nasce al bosco; Haydn: She never told her love (Twelfth Night); Haydn: With joy from the impatient husbandmen from The Seasons; Chopin: Etudes; Handel: Angels ever rbight and fair; Haydn: My mother bids me bind my Hair; Liszt: Lorelei; Vaughan Williams: The Vagabond, Bright is the Ring of Words, and The Roadside Fire; arr. Somervell: The Gentle Maiden; arr Hughes: The Star of the County Down; Bach: Arioso; Paradisi: Sicillienne; Aubert: Old Spanish Song; Boccherini: Rondo; Schubert: The Sheperd and the Rock.
Venue: Temple Speech Room, Rugby.
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Cast list for Lawrance Collingwood's opera The Death of Tintagiles, which was premiered in London, in April 1950. Performers include Anne Sharp as Tintagiles, Joan Cross as Ygraine, Anne Wood as Bellangere, Owen Branningan as Aglovale, and Dennis Stephenson, Edmund Donlevy and Norman Platt as the three servants of te Queen, with Peter Gellhorn at the piano.
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A performance of poems by Edith Sitwell, music by William Walton and cloth designed by John Piper.
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At Sadler's Wells.
First London production.
With Joan Cross as Koupava, producer Clive Carey and conductor Lawrance Collingwood.
The programme is signed by the performers.
Pasted in the back is a production photograph.
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Correspondence written to Joan Cross from family, friends, fans, organisations and businesses, such as the BBC or book publishers.
There are 2 main alphabetical runs of correspondence in this section as more boxes of letters were discovered after the first boxes had been catalogued.
The alphabetical runs are firstly from CRS/3/1 to CRS/3/111, and then starting from surnames beginning with 'A' again from CRS/3/112 running to CRS/3/179.
There are in addition a few more files of correspondence from CRS/3/180 onwards.
See also section CRS/18/1/3 for further correspondence.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
See also section CRS/18/1/3 for further correspondence.
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Congratulates Joan Cross for her performance in Cosi fan Tutte.
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Letter congratulating Joan Cross on a perfomance of Traviata.
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Manuscript letter regarding Joan Cross's retirment and 2 postcards.
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Postcard from Prague with birthday wishes. Signed by Chris, Helga, Timmy and Ruthie.
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Lillian Baylis, manager of The Old Vic Theatre, offers Joan Cross a contract to work there.
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On BBC letterheaded paper signed by Mark L, regarding Madame Butterfly.
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Congratulates Joan Cross on hers and Peter Pears' performance in Peter Grimes.
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Thank you letter for Joan Cross's performance.
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Thanks Joan Cross for her singing in a performance.
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Thanks Joan Cross for her singing.
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Only one letter is dated from the post stamp.
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Invitation to attend a dinner party after the premiere of Peter Grimes.
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Letters sent between friends discussing Joan's roles in Britten's operas and Britten wishing her luck for her productions and performances.
This file includes correspondence signed by both Britten and Pears.
There is also a postcard signed by Britten, Pears, the Earl of Harewood and Marion Thorpe (George and Marion Lascelles), as well as a photograph of Joan Cross with two unidentified people.
Also, postcard from Britten, Pears, Eric Crozier and Nany Evans on the first night of Albert Herring, 20 Jun 1947.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
CRS/3/83, Correspondence to Joan Cross from Peter Pears.
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From A.M. Heath & Company, a literary agents. Asks Joan Cross to consider writing an autobiograhy, and sends a business prospectus, however this prospectus is no longer with the letter, and it's whereabouts is unknown.
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Invitation fom Lord Chamberlain for a party at the Palace.
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Delivery note from W G T Burne, a specialist in old English and Irish glass. The order was from H Schneider and for a vase.
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Thanks Joan Cross for her singing in a performance, mentions Peter Grimes.
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Fan letter - saw Joan Cross' birthday in the Guardian newspaper and recalls his trips to Salder's Wells and The Old Vic.
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Letter arranging to meet.
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Typescript letter headed with The Old Vic theatre logo, regarding Joan Cross collecting press cuttings and cast books from her time at Sadler's Wells.
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Author and librettist of Hugh the Drover (opera by Ralph Vaughan Williams), thanks Joan Cross for her performance.
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Manucript and typescript letters between friends , congratulatig Joan Cross on her roles such as Lady Billows.
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Paper headed with The Arts Council of Great Britain. Manuscript letter congratulating Joan Cross on her performance.
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A letter thanking Joan Cross for her performance of Queen Elizabeth in Gloriana and 5 postcards.
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Closed
The majority of the letters are mostly dated from 1938-1956, although some are undated. Includes letters from Collingwood's travels across the UK and his trip to Tel Aviv, Israel.
Also includes letter from Phyllis Wood to Mrs Collingwood.
This file is closed.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
See CRS/13/2 for other letters from and photographs of Lawrance Collingwood.
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Thank you letter for teaching and postcard for Joan Cross' 90th birthday..
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters written between friends, with reference to Joan Cross's performances in The Marriage of Figaro, as well as mentions of Lawrance Collingwood and Sumner Austin.
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Letter from The Critics Circle asking for a copy of Joan Cross' speech, given at The Critics' Circle Annual Dinner on 17 Mar 1958 to be published in a member's magazine.
Includes typescript notes of her speech, seating plan, and menu with a list of spea
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Correspondence from Joan Cross' adoptive mother, letters signed from Mum.
These letters are from Emma Cross, nee Kirkham, Joan's adoptive mother
Includes two press cutting regarding the wedding anniversary of Mr and Mrs Matthew Cross of Upminster, married in 1886.
Also, letter sent from 'Joey' Cross to 'Papa and Mama' dated 20 Dec 1907.
Joan Cross was born as Annie Cross to parents Joseph and Annie Maud Cross in 1900, the youngest of three (sister Jane b. 1891, brother Joseph b. 1994).
Her father, a railway clerk, died when JC was just one year old, and she was informally adopted by her uncle Matthew Cross and his wife Emma, nee Kirkham.
She was most likely not told of this until she received a letter from her birth mother at the age of 25 (letter concerning this found in file ref no. .CRS/3/125).
Joan Cross very rarely referred to Emma Cross, for whom she cared in the 1950s and who died in 1955 at the age of 91, and to nobody else from her family, including her birth parents.
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This file is closed.
Most letters are undated, but the majority are from the 1940s, and are sorted into a likely chronologcal order. Some letters have been ripped, or are missing pages and are incomplete. Letters often concern Joan Cross and Eric Crozier meeting, or discussing plans for music and opera performances.
Also includes one letter regarding the death of Hans Oppenheim and Eric Crozier's plan to hold a memorial concert, as well as his published article Opera, about Peter Grimes. He includes a copy of his comment for Opera magazine, as well as a copy of the letter from H Powell lloyd to Harold Rosenthal, editor of Opera magazine.
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Fan letter. Thanks Joan Cross for her performance in La Traviata.
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Fan letters.
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Letter signed by Peter.
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Fan letter. Asks for a photograph of Joan Cross.
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Letter with musical notes for Joan Cross's performances, and a postcard with manuscript libretto.
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Typescript fan letter to Joan Cross.
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Manuscript and typescript letters and postcards from George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood. Includes some letters signed by both George and Marion Lascelles (later Marion Thorpe). Includes 2 press cuttings about Harwood's connection to the English national Opera.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
CRS/3/102, Correspondence to Joan Cross from Marion Thorpe.
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Fan letter.
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Manuscript letters, telegram and postcard. Includes one letter to Joan Cross from Simon Fleet, dated 1954 regarding Sophie Fedorovitch.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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One typescript letter signed as Morgan, and an invitation to lunch.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Comments on Joan Cross' performance in an opera.
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Musical Director of The State Opera. Writes to Joan Cross after hearing about her 80th birthday in Opera magazine.
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Manuscript letters signed as Bob, or BobGH, mostly regarding Joan Cross's performance as lady Billows in Albert Herring and Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes, as well as general letters between friends.
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Good luck telegram.
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Often signed as Tony. Letters begin in 1946 when Joan Cross and Gishford meet through the Earl of Harewood, George Lascelles, and are frequently sent throughout the years until 1974. Matters mainly concern letters between friends and work arrangments for singing.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letter sending a gift for Joan Cross's birthday.
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Manuscript letter.
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Manuscript letters congratulating Joan Cross on her performances.
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Manuscript letter regarding Gloriana, a card and 3 postcards. Some correspondence is undated.
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Manuscript letter asking Joan Cross if she would like old performance photographs.
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Includes letters from Sadler's Wells and The Old Vic, confirming tours of Figaro and La Traviata and planning other operas and performances. There is also a typescript copy of Double Life, a talk by Tyrone Guthrie. Includes two copies of the memroail service for Tyrone Guthrie in 1971, and obituary press cuttings about him, mostly obituaries and also the article Tyrone Guthrie at Work by Herbert Whittaker, from May 1963.
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Manuscripts letters from a friend.
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Publishing company. Manuscript letter from [Eric Lu Prince].
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Typescript and manuscript letters between friends and congratulating Joan Cross on her singing. Includes postcard portrait photograph of Joan Cross in costume and press cutting about Lilian Baylis an Sadler's Wells.
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Manuscript letter congratulating Joan Cross on her performance of Violetta.
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Fan letter for Joan Cross in Peter Grimes.
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From W Heffer & sons Booksellers and Publishers regarding Joan Cross's bill.
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Typescript letter from Hipsey, a frequent visitor of Covent Garden with Anne Wigley.
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Manuscript letter written on behalf of Francis Hodgson, by Dorothy Hodgson (his mother) to carry out his will.
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CRS/3/100, Correspondence to Joan Cross from Frances Thompson.
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Sends thanks to Joan Cross after seeing her performance at The Old Vic Theatre.
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Thanks Joan for her production of La Traviata.
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The pages of this letter are numbereed 4-7, suggesting the first few pages are missing. Letter is from a music fan.
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Telegram signed as Joseph Krips, and is written in German. There are no translations.
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Involved in filming Peter Grimes at Snape Maltings
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Open
This file is closed.
Leggate's correspondence is signed as most commonly as 'J', sometimes Jimmy, or Jimmie. The letters are predominately from Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland in South Africa, as well as some from Egypt, England and Scotland.
Leggate often refers to his relatives Belinda, Jo and Kate in his letters.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letter to Joan Cross from the wife of James Leggatte, telling Cross that her husband has passed away.
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Includes manuscript thank you note addressed to Joan and Anne [Wood], as well as a programme booklet with Lotte Lehmann's master classes for the National School of Opera. There is also a letter addressed to Ivor from Lotte Lehmann, which has been forwarded to Joan Cross.
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Letters often signed as Ros. Manuscript letters between friends arranging to meet and discussing life in London.
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Typescript correspondence sending Joan Cross an interview and photographs. However, they are no longer attached to the letter and their whereabouts is unknown.
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Open
Includes letters and postcards, some are undated. One postcard is signed by Sasha and Theo.
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Open
Fan letter from Sadler's Wells theatre-goer.
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Open
Thank you notes.
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Airgraph from New South Wales, Australia.
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No surname is provided, but it is assumed that the author of the letter is Muir Mathieson.
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From the British Phonograph Committee, sending Joan Cross a photograph form their dinner. The photograph is no longer included with the letter and its whereabouts is unkown.
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Open
Manuscript letter regarding Peter Gimes and 3 postcards.
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Typescript letters from Yehudi, thanking Joan Cross for the work they have done together.
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Letter headed with The Mermaid Theatre logo. Thanks Joan Cross for an LP.
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Open
Manuscript letter wishing Joan Cross luck for the upcoming opera season at Sadler's Wells.
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Open
Manuscript letter between friends reflecting on working together on Peter Grimes.
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Includes notes from Katharine Wilkinson from the Royal Opera House, and from Rosamund Strode, Britten's assistant.
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Open
Manuscript letters signed by Jack. The suranme is unknown. The paper is headed with an address of Orvis Croft, East Bergholt, Colchester. Letters often discuss their family members and Sadler's Wells theatre.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript and typescript letters and postcards. The majority of correspondence from Pears is undated, and therefore the covering dates of correspondence have been estimated.
Correspondence written from both Peter Pears and Benjamin Britten is included in Britten's folder.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
CRS/3/13, Correspondence to Joan Cross from Benjamin Britten.
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Fan letter thanking Joan Cross for her work after her retirement. The letter is not dated, but Joan Cross retired from singing in 1955.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Congratulates Joan Cross on her performance in La Traviata.
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Includes manuscript letter regarding leaving Joan inheritance in her will and 3 colour photographs of Anna Pollak and her house.
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Open
Card of congratulations for Peter Grimes.
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Open
Manuscript fan letter.
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Open
Fan letter about La Traviata.
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Open
Thank you note.
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Fan letter regarding Joan Cross's roles in Peter Grimes and Gloriana, as well as her retirement from singing.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Letters regarding productions such as The Bartered Bride and Peter Grimes.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Fan letter thanking Joan Cross for her singing.
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Open
Fan letter thanking Joan Cross for her singing.
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Open
Jimmie/Jimmy/James Smith was Chairman of Sadler's Wells from 1947 to 1961.
From the content of the letters, he must have been involved (possibly as a pupil of Cross's) at the Opera School and did a collection for her.
Smith was also a trustee of the Covent Garden Opera Trust 1946-1950 and on the board until 1954 and 1955-57.
One letter dated 9 Sep 1955 mentions Cross's retirement from singing.
One manuscript letter is undated, regarding Violet Bonham-Carter, another is typescript and is regarding Stephen Thomas.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Letters regarding the fire at Snape Maltings and thanking Joan Cross for one of her productions in 1969.
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Open
Letters regarding the deaths of Anthony Gishford and Liz Johonson.
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Open
Letter regarding giving Joan Cross their unwanted Old Vic programmes, including the list of programmes that were sent, including the dates for the performances. There is also a note with the provenance of the programmes, having passed from G Stoner, to Elizabeth Hand, Jean Cowan and Joan Cross.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Congratulates Joan on her performance and gives an update for the Aldeburgh Festival plans, referring to Britten and Pears. There are 2 postcards which are undated.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letter regarding Francis Hodgson.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
CRS/3/59, Correspondence to Joan Cross from Dorothy Hodgson.
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Manuscript letters, both undated, regarding Sybil's daughter, Mary.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters from Marion Thorpe as Marion Lascelles. All manuscript letters regarding arranging to meet, and Joan Cross singing parts of Gloriana for a visit from Queen Elizabeth.
Letters signed by both George and Marion Lascelles are included in the Earl of Harewood's correspondence file.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
CRS/3/37, Correspondence to Joan Cross from the Earl of Harewood.
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One of the letters is undated, and are both regarding performances of Hugh and Othello.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Thanks Joan for her production of La Traviata. Spelling of surname could be wrong.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Congratulates Joan Cross for La Traviata. Spelling of surname could be wrong.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Regarding Joan Cross meeting a tenor singer, Bernard Jay, recommended to her by Alan Went.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Congratulatory manuscript and typescript letters for Joan Cross's performance at Sadler's Wells, and thanking Joan Cross for her autographed picture. Only one of the letters are dated 1926, the rest are undated.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript letters from Evelyn Williams, signed as 'Bill'. One of the letters is on The Old Vic headed paper, regarding Tyrone Guthrie.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letter from a friend for Christmas.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letters signed by Raymond and Joan. The surname is indeterminable. Letters mention Anne Wood and Peter Grimes.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Thanks and congratulates Joan on her productions.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard from Australia.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript letter regarding Joan Cross's birthday.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript letters from Cross's solicitor C E Cocksedge, and from the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich regarding the reservation of a grave space in Aldeburgh Churchyard.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard regarding Joan Cross signing a photograph, with the intention of it being added to the Britten-Pears Library.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcards signed by Richard and Stanley.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard from [Teresa] Cahill.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letter sending Joan Cross a copy of the programme for the 100th performance of Peter Grimes at the Royal Opera House. Programme not in file.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcards from Mary and Charlie, one is also signed from Robert. Two of the postcards are undated. Postcards are from holidays in Portugal and Scotland.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard thanking Joan Cross for her birthday lunch. Surname has been determined from Joan Cross's notebooks and address book.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcards and manuscript letters, often signed as F, or Folly.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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1 manuscript letter regarding professional contracts and 8 postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters to Joan Cross from her birth mother Annie Maud Cross.
This includes a letter regarding Joan Cross's adoption signed with initials AMC, matching those of Joan Cross's birth mother, on birth certificate (CRS/13/3). Envelope included.
Joan Cross was born as Annie Cross to parents Joseph and Annie Maud Cross in 1900, the youngest of three (sister Jane b. 1891, brother Joseph b. 1994).
Her father, a railway clerk, died when JC was just one year old, and she was informally adopted by her uncle Matthew Cross and his wife Emma, nee Kirkham. (For letters from Emma Cross see file ref no. CRS/3/29).
She was most likely not told of this until she received a letter from her birth mother at the age of 25.
Joan Cross very rarely referred to Emma Cross, for whom she cared in the 1950s and who died in 1955 at the age of 91, and to nobody else from her family, including her birth parents.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Originally in an enevelope labelled 'Letters from my brothers 1914-':
Letters from Harry Cross, 21 Dec 1915 - 1 Mar 1916, letters about serving in the war.
Letter from B? Cross, 29 Sep 1916, with monochrome photograph and 2 envelopes.
Letter from L V Haak, friend of Harry Cross, 10 Feb 1916, includes photograph of Haak in army uniform.
Letters from Joe Cross, no date, one letter regarding Joan's cousin/brother Harry being killed in war. See also file ref no. CRS/3/201 for letters from Joe/Joseph Cross dated 1944-1948.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript letter from People of Today, signed by editor Patsy Ellis.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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9 postcards and 1 post-it note. Some postcards are regarding professional commissions and contracts.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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1 postcard and Christmas card. Includes photocopy of press cutting of obituary for Janet Moores, from The Times.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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3 postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript letter from Clare Colvin, archivist from the ENO asking for Joan Cross for an oral history interview.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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3 postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Postcard from the tour of Albert Herring in Chicago.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard thanking Joan Cross for their stay at her home.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript letter from Paul J D Waite.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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2 manuscript letters and 20 postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard with new address of Leonard and Catherine Hancock, with manuscript note with birthday greetings.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Birthday card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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11 postcards sent from holidays in France and Spain.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letters regarding a singing competition in Bulgaria in 1992 and singing and opera plans. There is also a Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript and typescript letters rgearding performances they've seen at the National Theatre and meetings in Aldeburgh.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letters. Includes 3 colour photgraphs.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcards and a manuscript letter regarding Anna Pollak and Joan Sutherland. Includes typescript copy of Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge's 1990-1991 schedule.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letter thanking Joan Cross for her contribution to music.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Birthday card for Joan Cross's 90th birthday.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter and 6 postcards regarding the Aldeburgh Festival and general messages between friends.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Accountant letter and invoice.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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2 holiday postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Cards and postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Greetings cards and a postcard from Italy regarding Puccini's Madam Butterfly.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Holiday postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Telegram with congratulations message.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard, signed Bill and Pat, concerning a party, 1972.
Postcard, William Servaes signed as Bill, regarding Joan Cross' birthday party, 30 Aug 1989.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Christmas card and manuscript letter.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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2 holiday postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Birthday card and photocopy of article written by Steane for Singers of the Canterbury featuring Joan Cross in Gloriana.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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From Garrett House regarding rising fees.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Unopened letter.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Includes letter regardin Stewart's trip to the US and a colour photograph of Herbert Stewart, labelled at work, Jul 1987, Toronto, Canada. Also includes 3 colour photographs of a house with descriptions of each room on the back of the photographs.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript fan letter asking for a signed photograph.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcards regarding the Aldeburgh Festival and holiday postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard thanking Joan Cross for her birthday party.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letters, joliday postcards and Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcards from Rita Thomson, some are signed by Basil Coleman.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
See CRS/3/24 for Correspondence to Joan Cross from Basil Coleman
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2 postcards from Scotland and Japan.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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7 postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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3 postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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4 postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding Dawlish Arts Festival and a Christmas card.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Manuscript letter from artists manager of the BBC regarding Joan Cross receving High Honours.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Christmas letter.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Postcard with thank you note.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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10 postcards signed by C & J.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of the Britten-Pears Foundation. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader' Undertaking form.
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Postcards and a Christmas card, signed by Rob and Ellie.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Postcards signed by the initials E.F.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Christmas card and postcard.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Christmascard with envelope.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Postcard.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Postcard signed by Christian and Anne N. Nyborg has been identified by Joan Cross's Visitors Book (CRS/13/1).
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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5 postcards.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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3 postcards signed from David and Gordon, or D & G.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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These letters are from indeterminate or unidentified correspondents. Some are unsigned while others may have only a first name or initials.
There are handwritten letters addressed to Annie from Em Cross.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcards, colour photographs and letters.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters and telegrams wishing Joan Cross luck for her role as Queen Elizabeth I on the opening night of Gloriana. Includes telegrams from Britten, Imogen Holst, Elizabeth Sweeting, Joan and Myfanwy Piper, and more, as well as press cuttings for Gloriana.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters regarding Joan Cross' performance in La Traviata. The letters are signed by first names only, and the authors have not been indentified.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters regarding Joan Cross's pensions from The Royal Opera House Beneveolvent Fund, English National opera, Musicians' Benevolent Fund and 10 Downing Street.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript carbon copy of a letter sent to Miss Holden regarding domestic issues with the chimney.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Photocopy of letter from Joan Cross rgearding the death of Mrs Pears.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Handwritten letters from Joan Cross to Pauline, her suname is unidentified. They are letteres between friends, about Joan Cross'ssinging, as well as operas she has seen, and mentions Britten, Pears, Marion Thorpe and Tyrone Guthrie.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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A draft typescript letter with handwritten corrections. Joan Cross writes about performing Gloriana, Lawrance Collingwoo'ds trip to Tel Aviv, as well as mentioning Anthony Gishford, the Earl of Harewood, and Britten.
This was originally found with a photocopied typescript of Cross's biography, ref no. CRS/10/1/1/5.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Third party correspondence in Joan Cross's papers.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letter with information about the dress-making and set design for Figaro, references to Eric Crozier and Joan Cross.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letter regarding reviving The Bartered Bride and Cosi Fan Tutte at Glyndebourne.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters from H Grey, Rhys Williams, Walton Prince, Jane Hamilton Smith, John McDonald, Edmund Donlevy, [Meredith?], Rose Hill, Valetta Taeapi, Arthur Servent, William Benn, John Hargreaves, Tom Culbert and Dan Jones.
Most of these letters are dated from 11-13 Jun 1942.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters sent from Joan Cross's adopted mother, Emma Cross, to her birth mother, Annie Maud Cross.
Emma Cross is living in Lutterworth so these letters would be from the 1940s after her husband Matthew died (they were still living in Upminster at the time of their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1936 and she lived with Joan Cross in the 1950s).
Joan Cross was born as Annie Cross to parents Joseph and Annie Maud Cross in 1900, the youngest of three (sister Jane b. 1891, brother Joseph b. 1894). Her father, a railway clerk died when Cross was just one year old, and she was informally adopted by her uncle Matthew Cross and his wife Emma, nee Kirkham. She was most likely not told of this until she received a letter from her birth mother at the age of 25 (letter concerning this, see file ref no. CRS/3/125).
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Postcard from Koltai to Cross from Greece. Mentions production of Anna Karenina directed by Colin Graham.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters from Joan Cross's brother Joe (Joseph E Cross, born 1894).
Two of the letters are on paper headed 'National Liberal Club, Whitehall Palace'.
Joan would have grown up thinking of him as her cousin.
The E may stand for Esop which was their mother's maiden name (Annie Maud Cross, born Esop 1864).
See also file ref no. CRS/3/126 fro further letters from Joe/Joseph as well as Cross's other brothers.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Letters with analysis of Joan Cross's performances, singing exercises etc.
Bob Freer was Cross's singing teacher throughout her career.
Also includes English translations of Lieder that Freer and Cross were presumably working on.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Card for Joan Cross offering 'birthday greetings and warm appreciation of your distinguished career and in particular your creation of the role of Queen Elizabeth I in Britten's Gloriana' from all the participants in the Gloriana Study Course, Britten-Pears School, Sep 1991
Signed by all the participants.
Also includes handlist for the exhibition of documents and other material relating to Gloriana at The Britten-Pears Library, 7 Sep 1991.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Material relating to Cross' work for Sadler's Wells and The Old Vic, as singer, producer and manager.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
For further material relating to Sadler's Wells and The Old Vic see material in CRS/1 scrapbooks, CRS/2 programmes and CRS/14 publications.
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Flyers for productions at both theatres, giving lists of forthcoming productions. Some have been annotated.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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2 pre-printed and filled in Memoranda of Agreement between Lilian Baylis and Joan Cross, one signed by both parties and dated, the other signed only by Lilian Baylis.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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2 copies of the magazine, advertised as 'The official organ of both theatres'. The edition from 1934 contains an article by Joan Cross on page 3, 'The Musician's "Macbeth"'.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
For further Sadler's Wells publications see material in CRS/14 publications.
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- Programme and menu for a dinner held in memory of Lilian Baylis. Cross and Arnold Matters sang selections from Mozart operas at the dinner.
- List of guests and seating plan for the dinners.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Photocopies of flyers for the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells, the originals dated 1925-1932. One is annotated 'for Joan Cross' on the back. A photocopy of a letter to Joan Cross from Lilian Baylis dated 27 October 1930. They are accompanied by a letter to Cross from Claire Colin at the English National Opera, dated 1 June 1992, returning them to Cross.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Opera rehearsal schedules, one from the Old Vic the rest from Sadler's Wells. Most are annotated, with Cross' name written on the sheet, and are initialled by Henry Robinson, stage director. Operas included The Snow Maiden, Tannhauser, Othello, Fledermaus. There are also lists of the casts of operas in 1939, and others undated.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Letters to Cross from the management of the two theatres. The correspondents are primarily Lilian Baylis, Tyrone Guthrie, Owen Mase, and 'Bill', possibly Evelyn M. Williams. The majority include lists dates of forthcoming operas, or accompanied contracts and other agreements. Also included is a programme for The Magic Flute, performed on Wednesday 24 July 1940 at Sadler's Wells.
Also includes a typescript text about the difficulties of taking an opera company on tour.
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Material relating to Sadler's Wells tours during the Second World War, when the London theatre was requisitioned. Cross acted as manager and producer during these years.
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Type written list of towns and dates of performances.
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Book kept by Cross listing operas put on by Sadler's Wells Touring and the casts. It lists the principal singers, the conductor and any guests for each performance, as well as additional notes. The first opera is the Beggar's Opera at Buxton. Additional notes and information have been pasted in. Cross' name is on the flyleaf.
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Book kept by Cross listing operas put on by Sadler's Wells Touring and the casts. It lists the principal singers, the conductor and any guests for each performance, as well as additional notes. The first opera is Rigoletto at Glasgow. Additional notes and information have been pasted in.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Book kept by Cross listing operas put on by Sadler's Wells Touring and the casts. It lists the principal singers, the conductor and any guests for each performance, as well as additional notes. The first opera is Madam Butterfly at York. Additional notes and information have been pasted in. 'Analysis Book' is written in Cross' hand on the flyleaf.
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Book kept by Cross listing operas put on by Sadler's Wells Touring and the casts. It lists the principal singers, the conductor and any guests for each performance, as well as additional notes. Additional notes and information have been pasted in. 'Cast Book' is written on the front cover.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Diary kept by Cross while touring. Cross writes about journeys from one venue to another, about the towns visited and about the productions themselves.
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Material relating to Sadler's Wells during the war years. It includes:
- Correspondence with Tyrone Guthrie and others.
- Contracts between Cross and Guthrie, Annual Reports for 1943 and 1944, with a report from Cross as Director of Opera.
- Lists of the management team, with proposed changes.
- Payments to singers.
- Press cuttings about the operas on tour.
- 2 standard equity contracts from 1941.
- Lists of receipts from the Grand Theatre and Opera House in Leeds and the Royal Hippodrome, Preston.
- A programme for the Marriage of Figaro and La Traviata performed at Buxton Opera Festival 14-19 October 1940.
This file also includes material concerning the return to Sadler's Wells in 1945.
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Correspondence to Cross from other artists on tour with ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association). The correspondence consists of letters and picture post cards written in 1945 from various locations in Germany, including Detmold, Hamburg and Berlin, and Belgium, including Ostende. Correspondents include Anna Pollak, Romayne Austin, Muriel Burnett and Mollie Wilkinson. There is also a programme, in German, from the Staatsoper Berlin from 1942, of a concert of Beethoven's music conducted by Herbert von Karajan, and an undated flyer in English for a concert of Gluck's Orpheus and Eurydice at the German State Opera, conducted by Karl Schmidt. Many of the letters and cards are headed 'Sadler's Wells Opera, No 1 ENSA HQ, B.A.O.R.'
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- A booklet published in London as a record of the wartime production of 'The Bartered Bride' by Smetana put on by Sadler's Wells. Cross wrote the introduction, and the booklet also contains an article 'Producing "The Bartered Bride"' by Eric Crozier, and other articles. The booklet has been annotated.
- A letter to Cross from David Preston dated 20 May, no year. This was tucked inside the Bartered Bride booklet.
- A news cutting about The Bartered Bride.
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This file includes:
- 2 letters from Eric Crozier dated 23 October 1944 and 26 October 1944, which touch on technical and other aspects of Peter Grimes.
- Notes in Cross' handwriting about characters in Peter Grimes.
- 2 letters from H. G. Sarton at the Decca Record Co. Ltd. dated 13 August 1945 and 13 September 1945 about recording Peter Grimes.
- A notice to the company about recording Peter Grimes.
- Other correspondence relating to Peter Grimes.
- A typescript poem to Britten, asking him to write happier roles for Cross.
- A news cutting from Time magazine from 18 June 1945, reviewing Peter Grimes.
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Papers relating to Cross' departure from Sadler's Wells. It includes:
- Correspondence from Sir Ernest Pooley, Lord Lytton and Sir George Dyson.
- Correspondence between Cross and Elisabeth Abercrombie
- A letter from representatives of the Sadler's Wells Opera Company on tour in Belfast dated 10 August 1945 asking Cross to remain at the company as an artist.
- A notice about Opera Direction at Sadler's Wells, announcing Cross' resignation, dated 16 October 1945.
- Typewritten rough copies of Cross' letters and an account of the resignation process, much annotated.
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- In memorium Sasa Machov 1903-1951, written by Michael Branwell, typescript tribute to Machov who came to the Sadler's Wells Opera Company in WWII when Joan Cross was artistic director.
- Article 'Curtain Up' from Dance and Dancers, August 1991 about event to mark 40th anniversary of Machov's death.
- Postcard to Cross from Sasa and Theo, 1944
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Material relating to the first production of Britten's Rape of Lucretia, at Glyndebourne on 12 July 1946. Cross sang the part of the Female Chorus.
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Glyndebourne Productions Ltd contract with Cross for their production of Britten's 'Rape of Lucretia'. The contract is signed by Rudolf Bing, Director and General Manager.
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Newspaper reviews of 'The Rape of Lucretia'.
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Material relating to Cross' involvement with the English Opera Group.
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Letter written to Cross, addressed from Snape, outlining plans for the new opera group and potential problems with its relationship with Glyndebourne. Also discusses how Crozier plans to move from lodging with Cross in London to lodging with Britten.
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Letter written to Cross, discussing a scheme for an 'intimate opera project', and a copy of the letter.
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Programme of the English Opera Group Association for the first performance of 'The Death of Tintagiles' by Lawrance Collingwood. Cross sang the part of Ygraine.
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News cuttings of reviews of the first performance of "The Turn of the Screw", given by the English Opera Group at the Fenice Opera House in Venice.
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Material relating to The Opera School, which Cross set up in 1948 with Anne Wood. It was later known as The National School of Opera, then as The London Opera Centre.
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- A prospectus for The Opera School dated April 1955.
- A prospectus for The London Opera Centre dated 1963-1964.
- An annotated English libretto of Auber's opera Fra Diavolo, with extensive production notes in Cross' hand, and lists of rehearsal schedules and other notes. Cross' name is inside the front cover.
- The National School of Opera 1948-1963. A booklet listing productions by the School and students of the school.
- Opera Gala. A booklet commemorating Opera Gala at Midnight, a tribute to Joan Cross and Anne Wood presented by the Friends of the National School of Opera at midnight on Friday July 26 1963 at Sadler's Wells. Inserted are letters from correspondents including Anna Pollak and news cuttings.
- News cuttings, mainly undated, of reviews of various productions by the Opera School.
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Production scrapbooks made by Joan Cross. These scrapbooks document her time as a performer and director of operas, as well as her time directing the Den Norske Opera in Norway during the late 1960s. The scrapbooks contain photographs and press reviews for her productions, as well as some letters and telegrams of congratulation. Some of the scrapbooks have loose material in them, suggesting a number of them are incomplete. Also includes one file of press cuttings concering productions in Norway in 1968.
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Includes reviews of the performance and telegrams with good luck wishes for the production. The scrapbook has photographs of the cast and scenes of the opera, including an image of Peter Grimes played by Sven-Olof Eliasson. The scrapbook includes images of the scenes, and are labelled with the actor's names. Also includes press cuttings and reviews of the Norwegian production. Most of the correspondence is undated but some letters and reviews are from 1965, with 2 notes to Joan Cross from 6 Dec 1979, about the revivial. A lot of the items inside the scrapbook are loose suggesting it is incomplete.
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Includes multiple press reviews of Joan Cross's direction of Eugene Onegin, as well as the programme. Also includes photograph of the cast including Sven Olof Eliason as Lenski and Kari Lovaas as Tatianna, and photographs from each scene of the performance. There is also correspondence to Joan Cross dated from 1966, with reviews and well wishes for the production.
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Includes photographs of the production, and a newspaper article, which has been dated by hand as 28 Nov 1966. Also includes a typescript review of the production titled Morgen posten, which comments on the performers and on Joan Cross's direction.
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Scrapbook for Oslo TV performance, directed by Cross, with John-Eric Jacobsson as Herring. Includes magazine articles about the production, as well as photographs of the cast performing. At the back of the scrapbook, there are loose newspaper cuttings and correspondence dated 1967. The reviews are predominately written in Swedish.
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Newspaper cuttings of reviews in Norwegian of operas, particularly Cosi fan Tutti, directed by Cross in Norway, and photocopies of reviews.
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Includes libretto which has been annotated by Joan Cross, and notes about the making of the production. Also includes photograph of artist design of the stage. There is a press cutting with an article from The Scotsman, dated 9 Dec 1968, and correspondence to Joan Cross from members of administration team of the Scottish Opera.
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Includes photographs of the stage and scenery for Peter Grimes in the front and back of the book. The majority of the scrapook is used for photographs of the scenes in Peter Grimes, and labelled in Joan Cross' hand 'Peter Grimes - BBC TV, The Maltings, Aldeburgh, February 1969'. Includes a photograph for each scene of the opera, and is accompanied by the names of the actors in the photograph, predominately being Heather Harper, Jill Gomez, Greg Dempsey, Brian Drake, Ann Pashley and Peter Pears. The end of the scrapbook has two newspaper and magazine articles about the rebuilding of the Maltings after the fire.
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Includes photographs from Figaro at the York Festival in 1969, as well as from Gondoliers at the Scottish Opera. For Figaro, there is a biography of Gary Bertini, the conductor, as well as photographs of the cast performing. For Gondoliers, there are photographs of the stage and scenery, and photographs of the performance too, which are labelled with the cast members, including Anne Pashley, John Wakefield, and Jill Gomez.
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Phoenix Opera production, produced by Cross. Includes photograph of the cast at curtain call. The cast members names have been written underneath the photograph, including Jennifer Vyvyan. There are photographs labelled with the act, scene and characters. Also includes correspondence written to Joan Cross, with cards and postcards of congratulation and press cuttings and typescript reviews from July-November 1970.
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List of all operas performed by Cross between 1924 and 1957, and of some recordings made by her.
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Volume listing Cross's operas. They are listed first by opera, then again by date performed. The earliest listed is from 1924, the last in 1957.
Gives details of venue and other cast members.
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List of solo recordings of Cross, and of duets with Peter Pears, Margaret Ritchie, Tom Williams, Frank Titterton, all with the Neel Orchestra, conducted by Boyd Neel.
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Cross' autobiographical and other writings.
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Final versions, typescript and handwritten drafts, and notes for Cross's autobiography. Also, correspondence with publishers.
This 'autobiography' was written jointly by Joan Cross and Bryan Crimp between 1985 and 1990. It is approx. 210 pages long.
Crimp describes the background to its writing in a letter to the du Sautoys dated Sep 1990 (see item ref no. CRS/10/1/1)
'We also decided it was best if we both told the story, partly to save Joan the embarassment of quoting her own golden reviews and partly to provide more background and colour than her memory sometimes allowed. My contribution remains incomplete, though it would not take long to finish. Joan's contribution is more or less 100% there. That Joan declines to go into the personal aspects of her life and wishes to end the story with her retirement from 'active singing' will soon become apparent. Try as I (and others) might, there appears to be little more to be extracted. (Fortunately, I still have various past excisions, predominantly centred upon her not entirely conventional childhood, which can now be reinserted!'.
Crimp further describes the writing process in a letter to The Britten-Pears Library dated Feb 1994 (see item ref no. CRS/10/1/4)
'The manuscript was a joint effort. As Joan found both writing in longhand and dictation impossible, each chapter was completed only after detailed converstions and susequent redrafts of my initial write-up. Furthermore she wanted me to contribute the historical background (of celebrated operatic productions etc.) and quote contemporary press reviews thus saving her the embarrasment od citing glowing reviews of her performances! My contributions remains incomplete solely because Faber & Faber wanted to see the manuscript to judge the flavour of Joan's contribution. When Faber & Faber decided to reject the manuscript - on the grounds that Joan gave little away about her personal life - she understandably lost interset ( a very characteristic trait!). Later, when she settled in Aldeburgh, she appears to have scattered copies of the manuscript like confetti. I know of one copy which contains recommended re-writes. I dread to think of her reaction to such a version given how adamant she was that what she had written should stand and having in mind the effort that went into her very precise choice of vocabulary. Naturally I have the original here.'
Some of these copies described by Crimp in his letter to the BPL are found in the collection under section Final versions (ref nos CRS/10/1/1/1-7), also draft versions are in section CRS/10/1/2).
The biography consists of the following chapters:
Apologia
Prologue
Part 1 The Old Vic (1923-30)
Chapter 1: The Waterloo Road establishment
Chapter 2: On Stage
Chapter 3: Centre Stage and Off
Chapter 4: Re-entrance
Chapter 5: Growing Pains
Chapter 6: Excursions
Part 2: Sadler's Wells (1931-1945)
Chapter 7: Sadler's Wells or The Roseberry Avenue Establishment
Chapter 8: The Hey-days
Chapter 9: The War Years
Part 3 English Opera Group
Chapter 10: Peter Grimes
Chapter 11: Glyndebourne
Chapter 12: Aldeburgh
Chapter 13: Gloriana
Chapter 14: The Turn of the Screw
Appendix: Traviata
Efforts were made for the 'Autobiography' to be published with Crimp approaching Macmillan Publishers and Kendal Press, amongst others, in 1990 but without success.
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Final typescript versions, some of which were sent to publishers or given to friends to read.
Some are original typescripts and some photocopies, some are annotated.
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Typescript.
Most pages are original typescript although some pages are photocopied.
2 versions of Apologia (revised version and original version)
Also includes;
- Letter from Cross to Bryan Crimp, 25 Jan 1989, thanking him for the typescript and giving hers and Donald Morrison's feelings on the autobiography.
- Typescript article 'Tyrone Guthrie' by Cross with cover letter from Pam Wheeler, 10 Sep 1990, explaining that Cross asked her to send this to Crimp. Also Crimp's reply to Cross, 18 Sep 1990, thanking her for the article and saying that he has sent copies of the mss to Mcmillan and Du Sautoy
- Typescript copy of covering letter Crimp sent to the du Sautoys with the autobiography mss, 18 Sep 1990. This letter gives some background to the writing of the autobiography. (see quote from this letter in record CRS/10/1)
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Photocopied typescript.
Also;
- Correspondence between Crimp and du Sautoy, Nov 1990, concerning publishing.
- Correspondence between Crimp and Macmillan Publishers Ltd, Nov-Dec 1990, about returning the autobiography mss to Crimp.
- Letter from The Kendal Press, 18 Dec 1990, turning down publication.
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Original typescript.
The pagination differs from other copies and it is missing the Apologia.
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Photocopied typescript.
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Photocopied typescript including annotations, with further pencil annotations by Lloyda Swatland and Joan Cross.
Includes letter to Cross, 10 Nov 1990, from Pauline seeking confirmation for several proposed changes to the text.
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Original typescript.
With annotations to appendix in blue pen by Joan Cross.
This copy was deposited by publishers Boydell & Brewer in Jun 1997.
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Photocopied typescript including annotations.
Inscribed in blue pen by Kirkwood: 'This is my story' from Joan Cross to Anna Pollak, to James Kirkwood and finally to the Library at ALDEBURGH, 3 Jul 2001.
Also includes letter from Jim Kirkwood to Rita Thomson, 3 Jul 2001.
This copy was deposited by Rita Thomson.
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Typescript and handwritten draft writings with annotations. Also, handwritten notes.
Annotations are mostly by Joan Cross, with some by Bryan Crimp.
Many pages differ considerably from the final versions in section ref no. CRS/10/1/1 and many pages were not included in these.
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Original typescript with minimal annotations in blue pen. To chapter 7 only.
Also includes handwritten Sadler's Wells diary 1924-1957, listing operas in which Cross sang, with part she sang and name of town (when on tour).
This may belong with item CRS/10/1/2/2.
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Typescript. From Chapter 8 onwards only.
Bryan Crimp's copy.
Includes
- handwritten page in Joan Cross's hand beginning 'In 1947 I had a letter from Peter Pears…'
- pink pages listing recordings by Joan Cross
This may belong with item CRS/10/1/2/1.
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Photocopied typescript to chapter 6 only.
This is a copy of the typescript pages from item CRS/10/1/2/5 but with minimal annotations.
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From folder titled 'Trials and drafts for her Autobiography'.
Including;
- typescript drafts, heavily annotated in pen by Cross and with sections of typescript stapled over some parts
- Cross's handwritten notes
- typescript notes
- typescript article 'The Great Opera Scandal' possibly by Janet Sinclair
- typescript copy of 'Twenty Years On' from Opera, Autumn 1967 concerning the Aldeburgh Festival
- typescript copy of 'Recollections of a Dowager' from the 15th Aldeburgh Festival book
- typescript pages concerning John Christie, Old Vic, Lilian Baylis, Charles Corri and Britten
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Original typescript to chapter 6 only. Written in Crimp's hand at top of Prologue 'This is an up-to-date print-out of early chapters. Akin to Joan's copy'. See also item ref no. CRS/10/1/2/3.
Second typescript copy to chapter 8 with many annotations and notes in Crimp's hand.
Also including;
- Bryan Crimp's handwritten notes and drafts
- some typescript pages annoted by Cross
- pages of drafts and notes in Cross's hand
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Draft typescript and handwritten pages
Including;
- transcript of letter from Elizabeth Abercrombie to Cross, 6 Jan 1946, concerning disagreements with Sadler's Wells. Mentions Covent Garden, Tyrone Guthrie and Peter Grimes. For the original letter and much related material see item ref no. CRS/4/11
- pages handwritten by Cross
- typescript pages annotated by Cross, some heavily annotated
- typescript pages concerning Translations, The art of acting and Production
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript pages of draft writings with miminal annotations, including;
- 'Blurb' - a brief biographical introduction to Cross
- Introductory paragraph
- Introduction
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript pages of draft writings with miminal annotations, including;
- pages headed Chapter one redraft as per 9 Jul 1985
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Typescript pages of draft writing with annotations, with sections crossed out and also sections of typescript stapled over some parts.
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Typescript pages of draft writing mostly for Chapter 1 and also part of Chapter 2 with annotations and sections of typescript stapled over some parts.
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Typescript pages of draft writing with minimal annotations.
At top of first page 'Chapter Two (as at 28 Feb 1985) and post it note 'Check everything in here has been incorporated in Chapter 1 and 2'
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Typescript pages of draft writing with minimal annotations and sections of typescript stapled over some parts.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript pages of draft writing with annotations.
Also one handwritten page.
These pages differ greatly from the final version giving much detail about Cross's childhood, schooldays and education.
Sections are marked as 'Final draft as at 28.3.83'
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript pages of draft writing with annotations, heavily annotated on many pages.
Also, handwritten notes in Crimp's hand.
One page headed 'Draft as a t May/June '85'
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Typescript pages of draft writing with annotations, some pages heavily annotated.
Including annotations and notes in Crimp's hand. Also handwritten notes in Cross's hand.
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Open
Typescript pages of draft writing with annotations.
Including annotations and notes in Crimp's hand.
First page labelled 'As at 24.11.85'
Includes pages relating to Traviata and pages of 'Further Traviata treasure'
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Handwritten and typescript pages of draft writing, including material not in the final versions.
Handwritten pages and annotations by Cross.
Including typescript page headed 'Private life' concerning her adoption, family and school, and handwritten pages by Cross concerning Traviata and Lohengrin.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Typescript pages of draft writing including pages headed Reminiscence, Siam, Flowers and Visiting Lotte Lehmann in California
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5 notebooks containing handwritten notes by Cross for her autobiography and other matters
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Red notebook with draft notes.
Cross's drafts notes on possible chapters for her autobiography.
Also includes notes on Why do singers choose opera?, Acting, and Beginnings of her musical life.
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Cross's draft autobiography.
Fairly advanced draft beginning 'The year was 1923 early summer when I found myself walking down Waterloo Road ...'
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Cross's draft autobiography. Titled Sadler's Wells 1931-1939.
Handwritten and typescript draft. Some loose pages and notebook inserted.
Also includes press cuttings 'Memories of Miss Baylis' and 'National Theatre and Lilian Baylis', page headed 'Preliminary draft of Old Vic/Sadler's Wells project', and typescript letter from Evert Barger to Cross, 11 Jan 1973 concerning performances of Lohengrin at Sadler's Wells in autumn 1933.
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Including;
- pencil notes
- photocopied pages 'The Vic-Wells Opera 1931-1939' by Joan Cross published in The Opera Bedside Book (pages 232-243) with Cross's edits and notes.
- transcript of a paper read by Edward Iles in Sep 1904
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4 pages with pencil notes
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Correspondence mostly with publishers
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Correspondence concerning the autobiography between Bryan Crimp and various publishers, including Livia Gollancz at Victor Gollancz, Antony Wood at John Murray, Robert Hale Limited and Weidenfeld (Publishers) Limited in 1983-1985. One letter from Fourth Estate Publishers Ltd from 1989.
Including typescript and manuscript draft chapters, and a brief synopsis with summary of chapter contents.
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Correspondence with Faber and Faber in 1985. Primarily it is between Bryan Crimp and Patrick Carnegy.
Including copy of agreement between Crimp and Faber and Faber, 1986.
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Correspondence with Bryan Crimp detailing the history of the autobiography, the process of how it was written and attempts to have it published, Feb 1994
Letter from The Britten-Pears Library to Joan Cross, 1993
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Typescript by Cross headed 'Britten', covering Cross' first meeting with Britten, and the production of Peter Grimes in 1945 and the rift with the Sadler's Wells Company. The typescript is annotated, some pages re-typed with annotations. It also includes copies of letters from Elisabeth Abercrombie.
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4 different typescripts about the Sadler's Wells Opera, probably written by Cross.
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Typescript of a description of a train journey to Aldeburgh and of the town itself, and a manuscript version of the same text, in Cross' hand.
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Typescript headed 'Letter from Prague by Joan Cross'.
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Translation by Cross and Christopher West of a libretto by Mozart.
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Typescript of a talk by Cross.
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Typescript of a talk given by Peter Pears, and chaired by Cross.
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Cross' handwritten answers to a series of questions.
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Typescript of a short account by Cross about Tyrone Guthrie, and an annotated draft.
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Folder of Cross' handwritten accounts and notes. Some of these are fragmentary.
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Newspaper and magazine articles featuring Cross.
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- Photocopy of an undated article about Cross by Channell Hardy, from The Opera Bedside Book.
- Newspaper articles about Cross' 80th birthday in 1980, and from the Times 1 June 1985. looking forward to her 85th birthday.
- Copy of part of Opera Now magazine, September 1993, containing an article by John Steane about Cross, and a letter to Cross from Graeme Kay, editor of Opera Now, dated 4 September 1993.
- Material relating to a BBC Radio 3 programme about Cross, which was broadcast in 1990 to coincide with her 90th birthday. It was presented by Lyndon Jenkins and the material includes correspondence from Jenkins to Cross and a photocopied page of the Radio Times showing the programme listing. Also contains material related to 2 other broadcasts about Cross, one transmitted on the Home Service, 6 November 1964, the other on the Home Programme on Thursday 22 June, no year given.
- 2 separate and partial typescript accounts of meetings with Cross and other aspects of her life.
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Letters, scores and other material relating to exhibitions, opera or music.
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- 3 pencil sketches of stage sets for La Traviata, production unknown.
- 2 typescripts of poems, one about Sir Benjamin Greet, actor at The Old Vic, the other titled 'Overture', and a poem handwritten on a card printed with Cross' St John's Wood address.
- Typescript of the libretto of Donizetti's The Night Bell, translated into English by Christopher Hassall, with the sound effects written in in pencil. nd.
- Catalogues and flyers for art exhibitions and art publications, including for a memorial exhibition for Harry Becker held in Aldeburgh during the 1957 Aldeburgh Festival.
- Cross' horoscope and an accompanying letter from an astrologer, L. Protheroe Smith, dated 21 August 1924. The letter is addressed to Cross' mother, and refers to Cross as 'Annie Cross'.
- A Japanese print of a man with a cow, inscribed on the back to Joan from Lesley.
- A letter to Cross from the English National Opera and Sadler's Wells Benevolent Fund, dated 27 February 1990.
- The Strike Bulletin, Final Edition, Wednesday 5 May 1926. News sheet from the General Strike.
- Typescript "The work of the Actor", by Herbert Marshall.
- Papers relating to Arthur Carron, including programmes for Aida at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, December 25 1942 and Otello in Buenos Aires in 1941, and photocopies of letters to Arthur Carron, and news cuttings about him. Carron sang at the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells from 1929, and would have known Cross there.
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Sheets of pre-ruled music manuscript paper, and sheets of lined paper with musical staves ruled, all with handwritten musical notation.
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Large poster advertising a concert given by St Andrew's Musical Society and the Leytonian Orchestral Society, featuring Cross as one of the soloists.
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Official documents and personal items such as notebooks, invitations and telephone books.
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This file includes:
- A black telephone book, with many names and numbers.
- A visitors book, partially filled in. Inserted inside the front of the book is an invitation from Lady Harewood, a thank you card from Joan Cross's students in 1983 and lyrics to Chopin's Lithuanian Song. There is a colour photogrph of some bluebells inserted in the back of the book, and an article from The Daily Telegraph, 23 Jul 1990 about ENSA and Ernest Bevin. 1954-1990.
- A book of statutes of the Order of British Empire 1948.
- An invitation to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, 25 July 1947.
- Two tickets for the Royal Gala performance of Gloriana, in honour of the Coronation of Elizabeth II, at the Royal Opera House 8 June 1953.
- An invitation to Cross for a children's birthday party 1902.
- A receipt for Cross' membership of the Social and Liberal Democratic Party, 23 July 1990.
- Birthday greetings card from Kay Booth with Boots record department gift voucher, 17 Sep 1980.
- Address book, c.1980-1990
- Notebook with invitees for Joan Cross's 90th birthday party in front of book and addresses in the back of the book, c.1990
- Birthday Party Invitation List, 27 Jul 1990, with draft copy of the invitation.
- Drawing of Cross by KOK dated 1936
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Closed
This file includes:
- A folding photograph frame with 2 photographs of Lawrance Collingwood and two photographs of groups of people. Inserted behind the pictures are letters and telegrams to Cross from Collingwood, undated but some postmarked 1936-1939.
- A smaller folding photograph frame
- 2 small diaries, from 1937 and 1938, annotated in pencil.
This file is closed.
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See CRS/3/25 for Correspondence to Joan Cross from Lawrance Collingwood.
Closed
This file includes:
1. Joan Cross's birth certificate. Registering the birth of Annie Cross, the daughter of Annie Maud Cross (nee Earp) and Joseph Cross. 13 June 1902.
2. Official exam results from a Royal Academy of Music exam taken by Cross on 5 January 1923.
3. Joan Cross's identity card. 29 Jul 1940
4. Joan Cross's passport, registered as Annie Cross, issued on 25 Aug 1967. Passport number 280561. Inserted inside is a Annual Certificate of Compliance from the United States, and a certificate of vaccination for 1970. There was also an undated letter from Lawrance Collingwood in the front of the passport, which has now been moved to Collingwood's correspondence with Joan Cross (CRS/3/25).
5. Codicil to Joan Cross's will, dated 27 May 1981. It has been signed and dated by Rog Rowe, 8 Apr 1983.
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Magazines, books and souvenir books collected by Joan Cross. These publications often features photographs of Joan Cross performing in London, photographs of opera rehearsals and performances, as well as articles written by Joan Cross and her associates, such as Erwin Stein and Tyrone Guthrie.
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Souvenir book with the following articles:
Sadler's Wells Theatre: It's Future Place in Popular Drama by Ald. W H Martin
Why we wanted Sadler's Wells by Lillian Baylis
Three Burials, a poem by John Drinkwater
Miracles, Mysteries and Moralities: The beginning of drama in Finsbury and The Theatres of Old Finsbury by Harry G T Cannons
A Week of Magic by Hugh Walpole
Joey Grimaldi by Willson Disher
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Published manual for singing. Inserted inside the book is an article titled 'The Principles and Some of the Methods of Teaching Singing' by Dawson Freer, a paper read to the Society of English Singers on Monday 17 March 1930. Also inside this booklet is a typescript copy of the lyrics to Heard- A Rhyming Word. There are minor handwritten corrections to the spelling.
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Souvenir programme for the 1933-1934 season at The Old Vic. Includes articles The History of The Old Vic and Sadler's Wells by Dorothy Drake, and The Producer's Point of View by Tyrone Guthrie, as well as portraits of the stars of the 1933-1934 season: Charles Laughton, Flora Robson, Athene Seyler and Ursula Jeans. There are also photographs from the season's productions.
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From the Sadler's Wells 1936-1937 season. Includes portraits and photographs from performances of Giselle, Casse-Noisette and other ballets and operas, as well as portraits of this seasons conductors: Lawrance Collingwood, Constant Lambert and Warwick Braithwaite. Also includes an article by J Morpeth Armitage.
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From the Sadler's Wells 1937-1938 season. Includes photograph of Joan Cross as Cho-Cho-San in Puccini's Madame Butterfly, Countess Almaviva in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, as well as Marguerite in Gounod's Faust. There are two copies. One has been signed by a number of the performers and conductors: John Wright, Roderick Lloyd, Rose Morris, Winifed Kennard, Arnold Matters, Molly de Gunst, Edith Coates, Ronald Stear, Eric Starling, Henry Robinson, Geoffrey Corbett and Sumner Austion.
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Booklet published to commemorate the jubilee year of the Promenade Concerts and the 75th birthday of Sir Henry Wood. Includes preface by Ralph Hill and CB Rees, and Poet Laureate John Masefield. This booklet includes articles on the history of the Proms, Henry Wood's contribution and work as a conductor and his musical influence.
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Sadler's Wells Opera Books No. 1. Includes articles on ballet, British opera, and Sadler's Wells by the authors, as well as Joan Cross's article An Experiment in Opera 1940-1945. Includes images of performers and productions including Britten's The Beggar's Opera, Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte and more. A handwritten note is inserted between the pages.
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Includes articles written by Erwin Stein, Charles Stuart, Joan Cross, John Russell, Lotte Lehmann, and Leonard Burkat.
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Includes four articles Opera and the Public, The Staging of Opera, Management and Finance, Needs of the Future.
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Beneath the Royal Arms wedding issue featuring the marriage of the Earl of Harewood and Marion Stein.
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The name Florence Hallett has been written at the top of the front page. Likely to be a monthly publication, and including articles such as Joan Cross by Channell Hardy, Benjamin Britten's Operas by Erwin Stein, and Salome at Covent Garden by the Earl of Harewood. Inserted inside is an article about the Old Vic and Covent Garden.
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Copy of Opera publication with portrait photograph of Kathleen Ferrier on the front cover. Includes articles about Sadler's Wells by Norman Tucker and Clive Caery, and an article about Mahler written by Erwin Stein.
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Copy of Opera publication. Includes articles about Sadler's Wells by Harold Rosenthal and Clive Caery, and an article about Mahler written by Erwin Stein.
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God Save the Queen, special coronation number issue. Includes images of the Queen's coronation.
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Copy of Opera publication. Includes articles about Vic-Wells Opera by Joan Cross.
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Includes a foreword by the Earl of Harewood, articles The EOG 1946-1956: A Survey by Lord Horder, The Musical Achievement of the EOG by Erwin Stein, The EOG Association by Derek Young, Training for Opera by Joan Cross and Designers and the Group by John Piper. Also includes written and pictorial records of performances from 1946-1956, with a list of principal artists.
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An illustrated booklet marking the change of the company's name from Sadler's Wells to English National Opera. Includes introduction by Lord Goodman.
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Exhibition book for the Diaghilev Ballet in England exhibition, arranged by the 45th Norfolk and Nrwich Triennial Festival of Music and the Arts, Oct 1979. Exhibition organised by David Chadd and John Gage, and shown at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Ats, University of East Anglia in Norwich from 11 Oct - 20 Nov 1970, and at the Fine Art Society, New Bond Street, London from 3 Dec - 11 Jan 1980.
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Includes article by Lord Harewood titled Joan Cross - a birthday celebration. Includes card inside with compliemtns from the editor, signed Happy Birthday from all of us. Front cover featues image of Joan Cross as Sieglinde.
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Photograph portraits of singers published by the musical and concert agents Ibbs and Tillett. The photographs of the singers are seprated by voice parts, including sopranos, contraltos, tenors and baritones and basses. Joan Cross features in this book as a soprano.
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News clippings from all periods of Cross' career as performer and producer, and also on the careers and lives of her contemporaries.
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Manuscript and Printed Music by Lawrance Collingwood including the manuscripts for his operas Macbeth and the The Death of Tintagiles.
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The Enoch Art Song Library with lyrics by Ernest Dowson and music by Collingwood. The three songs are What Land of Silence, In the Deep Violet Air and Little Lady of my Heart.
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Words by Ernest Dowson and music by Lawrance Collingwood.
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Handwritten scores for
November, with words by William Morris, Oct 1929, (8 pages)
Elegy, with words by Ernest Dowson, Jan 1930, (7 pages)
Nightingales, with words by Robert Bridges, Oct 1929, (7 pages)
These scores have been bound together.
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Two copies, one has been annotated.
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Two copies, both handwritten scores. One is inscribed 'Joan Cross' on the title page. The other is a fair copy.
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Four copies, all handwritten. One is annotated in pencil 'to be returned to Joan Cross' and one is annotated with conducting marks.
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Music by Lawrance Collingwood and words by William Morris. There are some minor annotations of the score.
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Handwritten copy of the score for Macbeth. includes the parts Act 1 (Lady Macbeth), Act 2, Scenes 1-2 and Act 3, Scene 2.
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Handwritten copy of the score for The Death of Tintagiles, for scenes 1-5.
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Two copies of the score, both handwritten. Words by Robert Bridges and music by Lawrance Collingwood. One appears to be a fair copy and the other, which is inscribed 'Joan Cross' on the front page, has minor annotations.
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Handwritten score.
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Words by Ernest Dowson and music by Lawrance Collingwood.
Two copies, both inscribed on the front page with 'Joan Cross' and 'To be returned to Joan Cross'. One of the scores is annotated.
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Words from the poem Mamble by John Drinkwater. Handwritten score.
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Handwritten scores. Includes songs
1 , 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8.
1. Ma douce Annette (3 pages)
2. O! mon Dieu! La triste nouvelle Tout a L'heure j'ai recu (4 pages)
3. Pleure, ma camarade, pleure tou beau prin tempo . Inscirbed on back page is 'Mr Collingwood, No 4 to come'. (3 pages)
4. Inscribed on front page 'No 4 of Eight Breton Folk Songs arr. by Lawrance Collingwood'. (3 pages)
6 & 7. Petit oiseau du bois and Chanson de ? The last word of the title is indeterminable. (4 pages) There is also a second copy of song 6, inscribed 'Joan Cross, Breton Melodies, Petit oiseau', with a second song included inside, Dimache a l'Aube. (7 pages).
8. Untitled piece. (3 pages)
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The covering page is signed L A Collingwood, with an address that has been amended. The score is titled II Spleen.
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Front cover only. A Selection of Songs from the Works of Russian Composers, old and new, edited and translated by Rosa Newmarch. Songs for a Bass Voice. Front cover inscribed by Rosa Newmarch with her address.
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Handwritten score with music and words. No title, but Allegro Moderato is written at the top of the page.
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An extensive collection of photographs of Cross throughout her life and of her colleagues, friends and family. There are portraits of Cross, many of her in costume, and portraits of colleagues, including Vic-Wells Opera Company and Sadler's Wells Opera Company colleagues from the 1930s and 1940s. There are production photographs of operas in which Cross performed and also operas she directed. There are photographs of colleagues involved in the production of The Rape of Lucretia at Glyndebourne in 1946, Albert Herring at Glyndebourne in 1947 and the 1954 Aldeburgh Festival.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Production photographs for Cross's operas are in her production scrapbooks, under RefNo CRS/8.
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This album includes photographs of Sadler's Wells Theatre, of Cross as a child, with colleagues and in some of her roles.
The photographs of her in some of her roles are mostly in chronological order;
Mercedes in Carmen 1924; Elsa in Lohengrin 1928; Desdemona in Othello 1929; Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni 1929; Marguerite in Faust 1930; Madame Butterfly 1929; Lady Macbeth; Rosalinda in die Fledermaus; Mimi in La Bohème; Donna Anna in Don Giovanni 1932; Gilda in Rigoletto; The Countess in The Marriage of Figaro; The Travelling Companion; Tannhäuser; the Marschallin in der Rosenkavalier; La Traviata; Cosi fan tutte.
There are typewritten labels for many photos, some naming friends or fellow performers, including Lawrance Collingwood, Florence Austral, Edith Coates, Anne Wigley, Harry Lloyd and Peter Pears.
There is a small pencil drawing of a "shoe for the Countess drawn by Whistler" for The Marriage of Figaro.
Press cuttings are included about Cross in Figaro; an article from the Tatler about The Beggar's Opera, 1941; from The Queen about Cross, 1945 ('Portrait of a Prima Donna').
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This album includes photographs of Cross in her roles of Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes 1945; The Rape of Lucretia 1946; Lady Billows in Albert Herring 1947; Dido and Aeneas 1951; Gloriana 1953; The Turn of the Screw 1955.
Photographs of friends and colleagues include Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, Imogen Holst, Kathleen Ferrier, Arthur Jarrett, and Hans Schneider. Also of Pears, Cross, Nancy Evans and Britten in Oslo with the English Opera Group in 1949.
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This album includes photographs of Cross in various roles: Madame Butterfly; The Marriage of Figaro; The Valkyrie; La Traviata; La Bohème; Aida; Faust; The Travelling Companion; Don Giovanni; Gloriana.
There are also publicity portrait photographs, many signed, including Cross, Anna Pollak, Lawrance Collingwood, Minnia Bower, Gre Brouwenstyn and Peter Pears.
The images are printed as postcards which are slotted into the album.
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Cross sings with arms outstretched in the role of Elizabeth in Wagner's Tannhäuser.
Photographer: unidentified
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Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/1. See also programme ref no. CRS/2/1 for perfomances at the Old Vic Theatre, London in Feb-Mar 1925. See programme ref no. CRS/2/4 for performance at the Old Vic in Mar 1927. Cross also sang the role of Venus in Tannhäuser at the Old Vic in Apr 1928 - see programme ref no. CRS/2/8.
Open
Cross sits in her costume on the steps of the set for Verdi's Aida.
This production was at the Old Vic possibly in 1928. She also performed there in this opera in 1930 and 1931.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross, as Desdemona in Verdi's Othello, lies sprawled in her bed as the characters of Emilia and Othello look on. This was the first performance at the Old Vic. Arthur Cox played Othello.
2 copies - 1 postcard size and 1 larger copy
Photographer: C. W. Edes
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
A copy of this photo is dated 25 Apr 1929 in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/1. See also programme ref no. CRS/2/21 for performances at Sadler's Wells in Jan 1933. See programme ref no. CRS/2/23 for performance at Royal Opera House Jun 1933.
Open
Cross sits on cushions in her Geisha costume as Cho-Cho-San in Puccini's Madame Butterfly.
Photographer: C. W. Edes
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
A copy of this photo is dated 1 May 1929 in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/1. See also programme ref no. CRS/2/13 for performances at Sadler's Wells in May 1931 conducted by Lawrance Collingwood.
Open
Cross looks at the camera while posing with her fan in her Geisha costume as Cho-Cho-San in Puccini's Madame Butterfly.
Photographer: C. W. Edes
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this shoot appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/1. See also programme ref no. CRS/2/13 for performances at Sadler's Wells in May 1931 conducted by Lawrance Collingwood.
Open
Cross poses with a parasol in her Geisha costume for a publicity photograph. She played Cho-Cho-San in Puccini's Madame Butterfly. One of the copies of this photograph is signed and dated 1937 by Cross. This production was part of the 1937-38 season at Sadler's Wells.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See programme ref no. CRS/2/13 for performances at Sadler's Wells in May 1931 conducted by Lawrance Collingwood.
Open
A publicity head shot of Cross in costume for her role as Marguerite in Gounod's Faust. One copy of this photo is made into a post card and has the caption 'Joan Cross Vic-Wells Opera Company'.
Photographer: Constance Willis
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
A photograph from this shoot is dated 10 Oct 1930 in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/1
Open
A publicity head shot of Cross in costume for her role as Marguerite in Gounod's Faust.
Photographer: Constance Willis
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
A photograph from this shoot is dated 10 Oct 1930 in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/1
Open
Cross in costume as Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème appears in a doorway carrying a candle.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this shoot appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/1. See also programme ref no. CRS/2/33 for performance at Sadler's Wells Sep 1936.
Open
Cross in her riding habit costume in her role as Amelia in Verdi's The Masked Ball. Sadler's Wells 1932.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross in her role as Amelia in Verdi's The Masked Ball. Sadler's Wells 1932.
Amelia in conversation with Ulrica, a fortune teller, peers into a cauldron as Riccardo secretly listens in.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross in her role as Violetta Valéry in Verdi's La Traviata sits at a desk quill in hand as a performer in the role of Alfredo Germont stands behind her. Probably The Old Vic production of 1933.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross in her role as Violetta Valéry in Verdi's La Traviata sits at a desk quill in hand as Henry Wendon in the role of Alfredo Germont stands behind her.
Possibly 1942 when Cross was listed as director of the opera on tour with Sadler's Wells Opera Company.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross in her role as Violetta Valéry in Verdi's La Traviata standing with Henry Wendon in the role of Alfredo Germont.
Photo signed by Cross.
Possibly 1942 when Cross was listed as director of the opera on tour with Sadler's Wells Opera Company.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross stands on stage in her role as Violetta Valéry in Verdi's La Traviata.
Possibly 1942 when Cross was listed as director of the opera on tour with Sadler's Wells Opera Company.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
A set of photographs of a producton of Verdi's La Traviata with Cross in her role as Violetta Valéry and Henry Wendon in the role of Alfredo Germont. Possibly 1942 when Cross was listed as director of the opera on tour with Sadler's Wells Opera Company.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross, in costume in the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, stands with Sumner Austin as the Count.
This was the Sadler's Wells 1934 produced by Clive Carey and designed by Rex Whistler.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/17 for performances 27 Feb 1932 at Sadler's Wells and 2 Mar 1932 at the Old Vic. Produced by Sydney Russell; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood. Programme ref no. CRS/2/43 and CRS/2/44 for performances in Mar 1939. Produced by Clive Carey; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood.
Open
Cross, in costume in the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, is seated on stage with two other performers.
This was the Sadler's Wells 1934 produced by Clive Carey and designed by Rex Whistler that went on tour.
Note on reverse mentions that the Sadler's Wells Opera Company will be presenting this production at 'The Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool, next week (13 October).'
Photographer: Tunbridge-Sedgwick
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/17 for performances 27 Feb 1932 at Sadler's Wells and 2 Mar 1932 at the Old Vic. Produced by Sydney Russell; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood. Programme ref no. CRS/2/43 and CRS/2/44 for performances in Mar 1939. Produced by Clive Carey; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood.
Open
Cross, in costume in the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, poses seated with Janet Hamilton-Smith.
This was the Sadler's Wells 1934 produced by Clive Carey and designed by Rex Whistler that went on tour.
Note on reverse mentions that the Sadler's Wells Opera Company will be presenting this production at 'The Hippodrome, Dudley, next week (10 November).'
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/17 for performances 27 Feb 1932 at Sadler's Wells and 2 Mar 1932 at the Old Vic. Produced by Sydney Russell; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood. Programme ref no. CRS/2/43 and CRS/2/44 for performances in Mar 1939. Produced by Clive Carey; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood.
Open
Cross, in costume in the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, is seated on stage with another performer.
This was the Sadler's Wells 1934 produced by Clive Carey and designed by Rex Whistler.
Photographer: Anthony, Thurloe Court Studio
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/17 for performances 27 Feb 1932 at Sadler's Wells and 2 Mar 1932 at the Old Vic. Produced by Sydney Russell; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood. Programme ref no. CRS/2/43 and CRS/2/44 for performances in Mar 1939. Produced by Clive Carey; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood.
Open
Cross, in costume in the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, is seated on stage with two other performers; the woman seated next to her playing the guitar is Janet Hamilton-Smith.
This was the Sadler's Wells 1934 produced by Clive Carey and designed by Rex Whistler.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/17 for performances 27 Feb 1932 at Sadler's Wells and 2 Mar 1932 at the Old Vic. Produced by Sydney Russell; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood. Programme ref no. CRS/2/43 and CRS/2/44 for performances in Mar 1939. Produced by Clive Carey; conducted by Lawrance Collingwood.
Open
Cross in costume in the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro posing for a publicity photograph.
Probably 1955, her last year of performing.
Photographer: Paul Wilson
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/80 for a performance 1 Jun 1955. Conducted by John Pritchard the cast included Anna Pollak, Geraint Evans and Edith Coates.
Open
Cross in costume in the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro posing for a publicity photograph.
Probably 1955, her last year of performing.
Photographer: Paul Wilson
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/80 for a performance 1 Jun 1955. Conducted by John Pritchard the cast included Anna Pollak, Geraint Evans and Edith Coates.
Open
Cross in costume in the role of the Countess in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro posing for a publicity photograph.
Probably 1955, her last year of performing.
Photographer: Paul Wilson
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/80 for a performance 1 Jun 1955. Conducted by John Pritchard the cast included Anna Pollak, Geraint Evans and Edith Coates.
Open
Cross in costume in the role of Rosalinda in Strauss's Die Fledermaus posing for a publicity photograph.
This production was directed by Clive Carey and designed by Owen Paul Smythe. 1934-1935 Old Vic.
The cast also included Arthur Cox, Tudor Davies, Olive Dyer, John Greenwood, Percy Heming, Powell Lloyd, Ruth Naylor, Gldys Parr and John Sewell.
One of the copies of this photograph has been printed as a postcard and is signed by Joan Cross.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
This album contains a set of photographs from a production of Wagner's The Valkyrie. Cast members, including Joan Cross, are in costume and on the set.
John Wright, Cecilia Wessels, Edith Coates and Walter Wiltshire have signed photographs of themselves.
It was part of the Sadler's Wells Opera 1937/38 season.
Photographer:
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/40 for performances in December 1937 with this cast conducted by Lawrance Collingwood and Sumner Austin.
Open
Cross standing in costume on the set of Wagner's The Valkyrie.
It was part of the Sadler's Wells Opera 1937/38 season.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also programme ref no. CRS/2/40 for performances in December 1937 with this cast conducted by Lawrance Collingwood and Sumner Austin.
Open
Cross standing in costume on the set of Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier.
One copy has been printed as a postcard.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross seated in costume on the set of Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross seated in costume on the set of Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. Another performer stands next to her.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is standing in costume on the set of Verdi's Rigoletto.
Large copy.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross stands in costume on the set of Britten's Peter Grimes. Prologue: Cross as Ellen Orford in the Moot Hall after the inquest.
Original production, Sadler's Wells, June 1945.
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
Other photos from this shoot appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
20 loose pages from a scrap book containing photographs of the cast and company rehearsing and performing Britten's Rape of Lucretia at Glyndebourne. Some photographs are of the cast relaxing in the grounds at Glyndebourne. Some show the cast in costume.
Cross has included telegrams sent to her on 12th July 1946.
Many of the photographs are labelled with people's names. People photographed include Cross, Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, Kathleen Ferrier, Nancy Evans, Margaret Ritchie, Frank Rogier, Anna Pollak, Eric Crozier, Hans Oppenheim, M. Ansermet, Ronald Duncan, John Piper, Otakar Kraus, Owen Brannigan, Flora Nielsen, Mabel Ritchie, Norman Walker, Audrey Christie, Lesley Duff.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
Cross is seated at a table whilst other performers stand around her each with an arm raised. Peter Pears stands to her right. They are rehearsing for the first performance of Britten's Albert Herring.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. PHPN/1/1/5 and PHPN/1/1/6
Open
Cross and a number of other performers are seated round a table whilst Peter Pears stands to her right. They are rehearsing for the first performance of Britten's Albert Herring.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. PHPN/1/1/5 and PHPN/1/1/6
Open
Cross in costume in Britten's Albert Herring. Head and shoulders only. There is a message from Peter Pears to Cross written on the back.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
Cross in costume as Lady Billows on set in Britten's Albert Herring. This publicity photograph is captioned 'The Committee visits Albert in his Shop'.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
2 separate photographs and 9 loose pages from a scrap book containing photographs of the cast and company relaxing in the grounds at Glyndebourne. There are also press cuttings and telegram messages for the first perfprmance Britten's Albert Herring on 20 Jun 1947. People photographed include Cross, Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, Eric Crozier, Nancy Evans and many others.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
A publicity photo of Cross in costume as Queen Elizabeth the first in Britten's Gloriana. Royal Opera House production Jun 1953.
Photographer: Helga Sharland
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
Cross in costume as Queen Elizabeth the first in Act 3 of Britten's Gloriana. Royal Opera House production Jun 1953.
Photographer: Helga Sharland
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
A publicity photo of Cross in costume as Queen Elizabeth the first in Britten's Gloriana. Royal Opera House production Jun 1953.
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
A publicity photo of Cross in costume as Queen Elizabeth the first in Britten's Gloriana. Royal Opera House production Jun 1953.
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
A publicity photo of Cross in costume as Queen Elizabeth the first in Britten's Gloriana. Royal Opera House production Jun 1953.
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
Cross in costume as Queen Elizabeth the first in Act 2 of Britten's Gloriana. Royal Opera House production Jun 1953.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
A photograph of a portrait of Queen Elizabeth the first with Cross's face superimposed on it. Cross played the role of the Queen in Britten's Gloriana. Royal Opera House production Jun 1953.
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
Other photos from this production appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
A photograph of a portrait of Queen Elizabeth the first (artist unknown). Joan Cross played the role of the Queen in Britten's Gloriana. Royal Opera House production Jun 1953.
Photographer: National Portrait Gallery
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Photos from the production of Gloriana appear in Cross's album ref no. CRS/17/1/2.
Open
Cross in costume as Mrs Grose in Britten's The Turn of the Screw is taking the applause and bouquets on stage in the final performance of her career. Cross has written messages on the back of three copies of this photo.
Photographer: Roger Wood
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross in costume with another performer onstage. Probably early in her career.
Photographer: J. W. Debenham
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
A publicity photo of Cross in costume.
Large copy.
Photographer: Constance Marsden
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is possibly in costume for an unidentified opera. A publicity photograph.
Photographer: Helga Sharland
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this shoot appear in the album ref no. CRS/17/1/3.
Open
For photographs of Joan Cross as a girl before her teenage years see photos ref nos. CRS/17/5
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio photograph of a teenage Cross holding a violin and bow
Photographer: The Wykeham Studios Ltd.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio photograph of a young Cross posing with a rose
Photographer: Possibly De Woolfe, USA Studios
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/3
Open
Studio photograph of a young Cross
Photographer: USA Studios
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/2
Open
Signed and dated studio photograph of Cross seated.
Photographer: Angus Faith
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/5
Open
Studio photograph of Cross seated.
Photographer: Angus Faith
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/4
Open
Studio head shot of Cross in a beret.
Large copy.
Photographer: Constance Marsden
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/7, CRS/17/2/8 and CRS/17/2/9
Open
Studio head shot of Cross in a beret
Photographer: Constance Marsden
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/6, CRS/17/2/8 and CRS/17/2/9
Open
Studio head and shoulders photograph of Cross in a beret
Photographer: Constance Marsden
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/6, CRS/17/2/7 and CRS/17/2/9
Open
Studio head shot of Cross in profile. This publicity photograph has been printed as a postcard with the printed caption: 'Joan Cross Vic-Wells Opera Company'. It has been signed and dated by Cross.
Photographer: Constance Marsden
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/6, CRS/17/2/7 and CRS/17/2/8
Open
Publicity head shot of Cross.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio photograph of Cross in an informal pose.
Large copy.
Photographer: Constance Marsden
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio head shot of Cross
Photographer: Anthony
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio photograph of Cross sitting on a piano stool with a black cat in her arms
Photographer: Alexander Corbett
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio portrait photograph of Cross looking straight to camera
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/15
Open
Studio portrait photograph of Cross sitting in a chair
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/14
Open
Head and shoulders studio portrait of Cross
Photographer: Roughs
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no.CRS/17/2/17
Open
Studio portrait of Cross holding a cigarette
Photographer: Roughs
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also CRS/17/2/16
Open
Cross stands leaning against a doorway, possibly at Sadler's Wells
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Other photos from this shoot appear in the album ref no. CRS/17/1/1.
Open
Informal photograph of Cross laughing
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Press photograph of Cross draped in fox furs sitting on some garden steps
Photographer: Universal; Pictorial Press and Agency
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio portrait headshot of Cross by Angus McBean.
Large copy.
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/22 and CRS/17/2/23
Open
Studio portrait headshot of Cross by Angus McBean.
Large copy.
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/21 and CRS/17/2/23
Open
Studio portrait headshot of Cross by Angus McBean
Copyright Harvard University. Image provided courtesy of The Harvard Theatre Collection, The Houghton Library - see https://library.harvard.edu/collections/harvard-theatre-collection.
Photographer: Angus McBean
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Harvard University
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/21 and CRS/17/2/22
Open
Contact sheet of photographs of Cross from a studio session
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio portrait head shot of Cross
Photographer: Helga Sharland
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/26, CRS/17/2/27 and CRS/17/2/28
Open
Studio portrait head shot of Cross
Photographer: Helga Sharland
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/25, CRS/17/2/27 and CRS/17/2/28
Open
Studio portrait head shot of Cross
Photographer: Helga Sharland
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/25, CRS/17/2/26 and CRS/17/2/28
Open
Studio portrait head shot of Cross
Photographer: Helga Sharland
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/2/25, CRS/17/2/26 and CRS/17/2/27
Open
Studio portrait of Cross seated
Photographer: Barratt's
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio portrait head shot of Cross
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is seated at the piano with one hand on the keyboard and the other on the score
Photographer: Barratt's
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Slightly blurred shot of Cross reading
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Portrait of Cross in hat and coat
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross outdoors holding a small dog
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross standing in an open doorway in a large pink hat. Colour photograph.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Studio headshot of Cross, possibly a passport photo
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is standing onstage holding onto a prop or ladder
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Headshot of Cross in a graveyard
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is seated holding a cigarette
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is standing looking out of a train window
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is stroking a cat which is standing on the arm of her chair
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross photographed on the streets of New York
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross photographed on the streets of New York
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross photographed on the streets of New York
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is sitting in an armchair outside in a garden. Colour photograph.
Photographer: Unidentified
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Open
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
This album contains mostly black and white photographs and many have basic labels identifying places and people. Places identified include: Aldeburgh, Snape Maltings, Dartington, Venice and Devonshire. People identified, besides Cross, include Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, Viola Tunnard, Nancy Evans, Con and Eric Smith, Norma Morgan, Eric Crozier, Martha Lipton, Jennifer Vyvyan, Basil Coleman, David Hemmings, Norma Proctor, Anna Pollak and Steuart Bedford. Most are informal shots taken when relaxing in gardens, on the beach and sightseeing. There are photographs taken during the Aldeburgh Festival as well as during the 1967 Queen's visit to the town and Snape Maltings.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross, Collingwood and Austral are standing in their winter coats outside the stage door of, probably, Sadler's Wells. It is probably wartime. This photograph is signed across the front by Collingwood.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
see also ref. no CRS/17/3/3 and the album CRS/17/1/1 which contains two photographs of the same occasion
Open
Cross , Collingwood and Austral are standing in their winter coats outside the stage door of, probably, Sadler's Wells. It is probably wartime.
Photographer: Unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
see also ref no. CRS/17/3/2 and the album CRS/17/1/1 which contains two photographs of the same occasion
Open
Cross and Collingwood are standing with an unidentified man outside a theatre, possibly Sadler's Wells. This photo is printed on a postcard.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross, Pears and Volkman are standing in their raincoats at the roadside. Cross has written on the reverse: "Peter, Volkman Andréas, & me, taken at Bremmen - Andréas is a well-known conductor in Switzerland".
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
see also ref no. PH/6/82
Open
A group of unidentified people are standing in front of a coach apparently on a foreign tour
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is sitting with two unidentified men in theatre seats probably at a rehearsal
Photographer: Pictorial Press, Fleet Street
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Open
Cross is reading and smoking with her friend Con Smith
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is seated, cigarette in hand
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross smiles into the camera holding a glass and a cigarette in her hand
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is seated holding a glass and a cigarette in her hands
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is laughing, drinking and smoking with an unidentified man
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is seated with her friend Smith on her left and Britten opposite. The photograph is taken at Crag House, Aldeburgh.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Britten is sitting on the arm of a chair with a beer glass in his hand. Photo taken at Crag House, Aldeburgh.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Britten is standing in in front of the fireplace . Photo taken at Crag House, Aldeburgh.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Photo taken from behind of Cross and Britten looking out of the window at Crag House, Aldeburgh
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is standing in her coat on a breezy day in front of beach huts at Aldeburgh
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
A group of unidentified men, some in wellingtons and hats, are moving a beach hut at Aldeburgh
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
The Ionia houseboat at Slaughden
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross and Smith are chatting to a mariner on the Crag Path at Aldeburgh. View of Aldeburgh and lookout tower behind.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross and Smith are looking at a camera on the Crag Path by the Moot Hall in Aldeburgh. View of Aldeburgh and White Lion Hotel behind.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross and Smith are on a walk standing by a gate, probably in Aldeburgh
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is picking something from a hedgerow while walking with Smith, probably in Aldeburgh
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is standing on the beach probably at Aldeburgh
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross and Smith are walking on the river wall at Aldeburgh
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
A view of the river Alde from the river wall
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is laughing with friends Eric and Con Smith at Penrhyndeudraeth. She has written a note on the back: " Con & Eric (Tobacconists!) "
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross and Britten are leaning out of upstairs windows in Tewkesbury.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Photograph of the English Opera Group gathered beside a plane at Amsterdam Airport, taken on their visit to the Holland Festival with their new production of Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas'. Centre front with bouquets, Cross and Benjamin Britten with Basil Douglas on his left. Peter Pears stands on lower step above them.
Photographer: Henk Jonker (copyright Maria Austria Instituut)
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
see also ref no. PH/5/51
Open
Cross is reading with Con, sitting beside her, and Eric, behind them, is looking over her shoulder. A note on the back is signed by Eric .
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Smith is sitting in a chair looking directly at the camera
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
In this colour photo Cross is standing outside at Snape Maltings. Grenfell is on her right along with an unidentified woman. They are clutching programmes and have apparently been attending an event. Grenfell herself performed at the Festival in 1964 and 1966.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is clinking glasses in a toast with an unidentified man
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross, in a fur tippet, is shaking hands with an unidentified man. An unidentified young woman looks on behind them.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross, seated at a table, is being presented with a bouquet of flowers by an unidentified woman
Photographer: David Stapleton
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Open
A press photograph of Cross, Crozier and Evans holding glasses and standing at a bar
Photographer: Eastern Daily Press
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Open
Cross in a fur tippet stands among a group, from left to right: unidentified, John Hargreaves, Cross, Owen Brannigan, Lawrance Collingwood, Pears, Victoria Elliott. The EMI launch of the 3 LP boxed set 'Stars of the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells'.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is seated at a long table at the end of a row of six, from left to right: Gwen Catley, Joan Hamond, Eva Turner, Lawrance Collingwood, Isobel Baillie, Cross. There is a flower arrangement and LP records on the table in front of them and promotional material posted up behind them. This event was probably promoting EMI 's boxed set: 'Stars of the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells : Great British Sopranos'.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross in a fur tippet and evening gloves is holding her evening bag, programme and a glass while in conversation with an unidentified man.
Photographer: Erica
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
A close up photograph of Cross and, probably, de Valois chatting
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross and Pears are standing with plates and forks at an event while George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood is chatting to them
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is standing looking up at a plaque which has just been unveiled : 'Lilian Baylis, 1874 - 1937, Founder of Sadler's Wells Opera, 1931, homage from, English National Opera, its successor, 1981'.
Photographer: Barry Swaebe
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is seated holding a walking stick and listening to George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood who is standing at a microphone giving a speech for the unveiling of a plaque to Lilian Baylis. 'Lilian Baylis, 1874 - 1937, Founder of Sadler's Wells Opera, 1931, homage from, English National Opera, its successor, 1981'. The curtain is still covering the plaque in this photo.
Photographer: Barry Swaebe
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is seated holding a walking stick and listening to George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood who is standing at a microphone giving a speech for the unveiling of a plaque to Lilian Baylis. 'Lilian Baylis, 1874 - 1937, Founder of Sadler's Wells Opera, 1931, homage from, English National Opera, its successor, 1981'. The curtain is still covering the plaque in this photo.
Photographer: Barry Swaebe
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is seated holding a walking stick and listening to George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood who is standing at a microphone giving a speech for the unveiling of a plaque to Lilian Baylis. 'Lilian Baylis, 1874 - 1937, Founder of Sadler's Wells Opera, 1931, homage from, English National Opera, its successor, 1981'. The curtain is still covering the plaque in this photo.
Photographer: Barry Swaebe
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross and George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood are seated chatting to each other
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross and George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood are seated chatting to each other
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross and George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood are seated chatting to each other
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is holding a bouquet of flowers and is bending over a small table to talk to an unidentified woman
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is standing with her walking stick smiling at the camera while people at the event are seated or walking about behind her.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is standing at the back of the group, 3rd from right, in front of a coach. Possibly Sadler's Wells on tour.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is standing outside an open stage door with two unidentified men
Photographer: unidentified
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Cross is standing outside a building with two unidentified women in this informal snapshot.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
These photographs do not include Joan Cross herself.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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This album contains postcard sized black and white photographs, mainly publicity shots, and postcards printed for the Sadler's Wells Opera Company, many of which are signed. People identified include: Minnia Bower, Gré Brouwenstÿn, Edith Coates, John Greenwood, Janet Hamilton-Smith, John Hargreaves, Mary Honer, Valetta Jacopi, Powell Lloyd, Roderick Lloyd, Rose Morris, Ronald Stear, Ben Williams, Tom Williams.
Photographer: including Anthony, Hayhurst Burnley, J.W. Debenham, Angus Mc Bean.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
The letter dated 3 Feb 1977 from Colin Sorensen: Keeper - Modern Department of the Museum of London states that the photograph was sent to Joan Cross 'as promised' and the portrait bust 'is now on view in the 20th century gallery of this museum'.
Photographer: Copyright: The Museum of London
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Studio portrait of Baylis printed on a postcard
Photographer: Ed. Sharp
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This headshot publicity photograph is signed 'For darling Joan, with love and admiration Ben June 7. 1945 (P.G. at Sadlers Wells)'.
Photographer: Alexander Bender
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From left to right: Goodall, Britten and an unidentified man are photographed discussing together .
Photographer: Keystone Press Agency Ltd
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A publicity shot of Coates signed 'To Coba Love from Edith Coates'
Photographer: James Swarbrick Ltd
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A publicity shot of Coates as Carmen
Photographer: Helga Sharland
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A publicity shot of Coates as Amneris in Aida at the Royal Opera House
Photographer: J.W. Debenham
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A publicity shot of Collingwood
Photographer: Claude Harris
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A publicity shot of Collingwood
Photographer: Alexander Corbett
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Collingwood in white tie is chatting to an unidentiied man
Photographer: unidentified
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Collingwood strolls along a city street in a beret.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An informal photograph of Collingwood in a beret outside a brick building
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An informal photograph of Collingwood seated at the driving wheel of an open topped car wearing his beret
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
A portrait photograph of Collingwood
Photographer: unidentified
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A photograph of Collingwood conducting from amongst the orchestra
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An informal photograph of Collingwod in the street in overcoat and beret
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An informal photograph of Collingwood in a residential street
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An informal photograph of Collingwood in a suit leaning against an urn in the grounds of a large house, possibly Dartington Hall
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An informal headshot of Collingwood with his eyes closed
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An informal photograph of Crozier and Uppman stroking a sheep.
Photographer: unidentified
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A publicity headshot of Guthrie signed 'with much affection and admiration Tony G.'
Photographer: Anthony
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Open
A publicity photograph of Guthrie in a greatcoat.
Photographer: unidentified
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Jooss chats with performers in costume in the dressing room at a production. A note on the back refers to him as the producer.
Photographer: Keystone Press Agency Ltd
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Open
An informal shot of the Earl with, possibly, his wife Patricia holding a Japanese sunshade.
Photographer: unidentified
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A publicity photograph of Lensky in a male costume for a performance of the National School of Opera
Photographer: Michael Boys
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A photo taken during a performance of the National School of Opera. An unidentified male performer in clerical costume sings to Lensky who is dressed in male garb and is slouching in an armchair.
Photographer: Michael Boys
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Lensky and Ronald Maconochy, students of the National School of Opera, are in costume and performing on stage.
Photographer: Michael Boys
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From left to right: an unidentified performer, Lensky and Rhiannon James are in costume on stage for a performance of the National School of Opera.
Photographer: Michael Boys
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A male performer in costume and reading a letter photographed during a performance of the National Opera School.
Photographer: Michael Boys
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A publicity headshot of Menuhin signed 'Bath June 15 1966 To dear Joan Cross, with all my gratitude for one of the most exciting events of my life (just Yehudi) Yehudi Menuhin'
Photographer: unidentified
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Morgan is in costume performing in The Boatswain's Mate , a one act opera in two parts by Ethel Smyth. She is holding an oil lamp.
Photographer: Michael Boys
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Money is exchanging hands between a man in a fisherman's jumper and neckerchief and a man in a mariner's hat. The opera is probably The Boatswain's Mate, a one act opera in two parts by Ethel Smyth.
Photographer: Michael Boys
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A publicity photo of Pears and an unknown female performer in costume. Pears is in military uniform with a curled wig and large hat with ostrich feather plumes.
Photographer: Alexander Bender
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Production photograph of Britten's opera Albert Herring Act I scene 2 Mrs Herring's greengrocery. The English Opera Group Gala performance to celebrate the Tenth Aldeburgh Festival, in the Jubilee Hall Aldeburgh. From left: Catherine Lawson as Mrs Herring and Pears as Albert, as Mum scolds, 'You heard what I said!'
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. PHPN/1/1/91
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Peter Pears in Switzerland. Photograph of Pears standing beside a car outside a hotel.
Photographer: unidentified
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See also ref no. PH/2/62
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Pears is standing in a doorway with his arm round the shoulder of a woman, possibly Rose Hill.
Photographer: unidentified
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A studio photograph of Pollak leaning on a cart wheel. Signed 'Joan - with love. Anna. Sichel. 1947 '
Photographer: Angus McBean
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A studio photograph of Pollak in costume
Photographer: Angus McBean
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A glamorous studio headshot of Pollack signed 'Anna- Hamburg 1948!'
Photographer: Künstler foto
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Photograph of Pollack in costume of black cloak, top hat and cane. One copy signed 'For Flo - from her Prince! With much love, Anna'.
Photographer: unidentified
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Pollak is wearing a gypsy costume in this publicity photo.
Photographer: Angus McBean
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Pollak is in costume in this publicity photoraph. It is signed 'Celia, with much love from Anna'
Photographer: The Photo Repro Co
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Pollak is dressed in a white Spanish costume with white lace mantilla and fan
Photographer: unidentified
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Pollak is dressed in a white Spanish costume with white lace mantilla and fan
Photographer: unidentified
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A publicity photo of Pollak in costume. Signed 'Darling Coba with love from Anna'
Photographer: Helga Sharland
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A publicity photo of Pollak signed 'Love to Coba from Anna'
Photographer: Helga Sharland
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Photograph of Anna Pollak captioned 'Sadler's Wells Opera - Anna Pollak (Mezzo-Soprano)'
Photographer: unidentified
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Photograph of Anna Pollak captioned 'Sadler's Wells Opera - 'Merrie England' Anna Pollak as Queen Elizabeth I'
Photographer: unidentified
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Slightly blurred informal photo of Pollak seated in a chair
Photographer: unidentified
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Slightly blurred informal photo of Pollak laughing
Photographer: unidentified
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Publicity headshot printed on a postcard and stamped and addressed to Joan Cross with a message from Riddle
Photographer: Navana Ltd
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Publicity headshot signed with the message 'To Joan Cross with fondest wishes and remeniscences!! Joan Sutherland July, 1989.'
Photographer: unidentified
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A studio portrait signed with the message 'For Joan Cross with love & admiration from R Vaughan Williams'
Photographer: J. Russell & Sons
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A folder of photographs of colleagues mostly in costume in publicity shots. A few informal photographs.
Photographer: mostly unidentified and a single photo by each of the following: J.W. Debenham; Stan Mays; Studio Cole Limited; Keystone Press Ag
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Photograph of McBean creating a scene under glass.
Given to Joan Cross as a Christmas card in 1982.
Photographer: Angus McBean
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Joan Cross was born as Annie Cross to parents Joseph and Annie Maud Cross in 1900, the youngest of three (sister Jane b. 1891, brother Joseph b. 1894). Her father, a railway clerk died when Cross was just one year old, and she was informally adopted by her uncle Matthew Cross and his wife Emma, nee Kirkham. She was most likely not told of this until she received a letter from her birth mother at the age of 25 (letter concerning this, see file ref no. CRS/3/125).
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A studio portrait of a young woman in Victorian dress.
Photographer: G.A. Baker
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A studio portrait of Cross's adoptive parents posing with bicycles as if outdoors.
Photographer: Lorenzo, Bournemouth
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A studio portrait of Cross's adoptive parents.
Photographer: Chas. Casbon, Hornsey
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A studio portrait of Cross's adoptive parents and three unidentified others. Emma sits at the feet of her husband with her arm on his knee.
Photographer: Lindon Partridge, Plymouth
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A studio head and shoulders portrait of Cross's adoptive father.
Photographer: Richard W. Thomas, Cheapside
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Emma stands behind Matthew who is sitting in the garden on a chair from the house.
Photographer: unidentified
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A photo taken in the garden.
Photographer: unidentified
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Cross sits on a cushion on a chair in the garden.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross in an elaborate dress and bonnet sits on a chair in front of her adoptive parents. Emma is immediately behind her while Matthew stands behind and to Emma's right. They are posed outdoors in the centre of a group of unidentified adults and children framed by the bay window and open French doors of a house. An aspidistra has been placed in the centre of the foreground. One copy is the central section cut out in a circle.
Photographer: unidentified
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Matthew and Emma Cross stand in the centre of the back row amongst other unidentified adults. They are posed outdoors, framed by the bay window and open French doors of a house. An aspidistra has been placed in the centre of the foreground.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is sitting on a chair outside the bay window and open French doors of a house. A small unidentified boy stands next to her.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
In this informal photograph taken in the garden Cross stands with a little toy barrow.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
This photograph has been printed as a postcard. Cross stands in a sailor top and hat next to a woman, possibly her adoptive mother, and a collie dog. There are large glasshouses in the background.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross and her adoptive parents stand in the doorway of a rustic work loggia. Cross and her adoptive mother Emma are in white summer clothes while Matthew sports a boater. A croquet mallet leans against a stone urn.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
From left to right: an unidentified woman, Cross's adoptive parents and an unidentified boy are seated in deckchairs while an unidentified girl and Cross (in front of the boy) are seated on the ground. Could these be Cross's birth mother, sister and brother? A tea table is set up in the middle of the group. There are various items of sporting equipment : a tennis racquet, croquet mallets and bowls.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
A studio portrait of Cross as a young girl. There is another small informal photograph stuck to this one probably of Cross as a younger child on the beach wearing a hat and holding a spade.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
A studio portrait of Emma Cross nee Kirkham.
Photographer: Alexr. Greenberg
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Open
Album containing informal photographs of Cross, her adoptive parents and others. Photos include holidays and outings.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive parents are sitting in a horse and cart with a travelling rug over their knees, a young unidentified man sits in the seat behind them and a man in uniform stands at the horse's head. Alpine scenery surrounds them.
Photographer: Reg. W. Smith , South Belgravia
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Open
Cross's adoptive parents stand outside a house in this informal photograph.
Photographer: unidentified
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Cross's adoptive father is sitting on a garden bench next to an unidentified man who is only partially in shot.. This informal shot has been printed on a postcard.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross and her adoptive mother are backed by lakeland scenery in this holiday snapshot. Cross wears a 1920s style cloche hat.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive parents stand on the left of an informal group while Cross herself stands on the right. They appear to be on a jetty in this informal holiday snap.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is sitting in the sand dunes wearing a bathing costume and sand shoes. A dog is seated across one of her feet in this informal holiday snap.
Photographer: unidentified
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Cross's adoptive parents pose in a group for this informal shot with two unidentified women. Cross's adoptive father is seated in a garden chair with his hat on his knees , her adoptive mother stands with her hand on his shoulder. This photograph has been printed on a postcard.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive father is seated at the steeing wheel of an open topped car. An unidentified man is seated next to him while two unidentified young women are in the back seat.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive father is seated at the steering wheel of an open topped car. A woman, possibly Cross's adoptive mother, is seated next to him while two unideentified young women are in the back seat.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's face peers through the windscreen into the interior of an open topped car.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Four strips of two passport type photographs of Cross's adoptive mother wearing a hat and coat with a fur collar.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Two strips of two passport type photos of Cross's adoptive father. In two photos he is smoking a pipe.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive parents pose in a garden in an informal group with three unidentified young women.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive parents pose in a garden in an informal group with three unidentified young women.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive father is seated in his cap and overcoat holding a furled umbrella among some ruins on a holiday outing in Scotland. This photo has been printed on a postcard.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross and her adoptive parents are on holiday in Scotland among the ruins of a castle.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive father is standing in a garden with a black spaniel lying at his feet.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross stands in the centre of an informal group while her adoptive mother sits on the right in front. They are with two unidentified men and an unidentified woman and a black spaniel. This photo has been printed on a postcard.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Album containing informal photographs of Cross and unidentified friends and colleagues and buildings. Photos include holidays, outings, some possibly while on tour. There are two loose photos tucked in this album.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross's adoptive mother presides over a small tea table in the garden. She is with an unidentified young man and woman.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross and an unidentified woman stand either side of a man in sailor's uniform who has his arms around their shoulders. They are standing outside under some wrought iron work.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross sits on the grass beside her adoptive mother who is sitting on a chair.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is crouching on a crazy paving path in a garden. A note on the back of the photo reads 'Can I get up now?
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Emma Cross is holding a hand of playing cards in this informal photo. It has been printed on a postcard.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is posing with an unidentified woman and two men, one in sailor's uniform. They have a black spaniel with them. An informal photo taken in the front garden of a suburban road.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is posing with an unidentified woman and two men, one in sailor's uniform who has his arm around her shoulder while she has hers around his waist. They have a black spaniel with them. An informal photo taken in the front garden of a suburban road.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is standing in a garden with a man in sailor's uniform. A note on the back of the photo reads 'Bulwarks of Britain !!'.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is standing outside a house in an informal group of unidentified people , two men and two women. She is holding a black spaniel in her arms.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross stands looking over the left shoulder of Emma, her adoptive mother. Mr and Mrs Cross are at the front and centre of a large group of about 40 people. All are dressed up for the occasion, many wearing buttonholes and the women in hats. Mrs Cross holds a bouquet. Possibly a special wedding anniversary is being celebrated.
Photographer: Luffs, photographic stores; Hornchurch
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See also ref no. CRS/17/5/48
Open
Matthew and Emma Cross are standing together in a garden. He is wearing a dark suit, white waistcoat and a carnation in his buttonhole. She is wearing a long dress, a hat and is holding a bouquet. They are possibly celebrating a special wedding anniversary.
Photographer: Luffs, photographic stores; Hornchurch
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also ref no. CRS/17/5/47
Open
Three official photographs taken to celebrate the wedding of friends of Cross. The photographs are mounted and presented in folded paper sleeves. In one Cross, wearing a corsage, elaborate hat and a fur trimmed coat, stands with a group of five others on the pavement outside the wedding venue. Another photograph shows the unidentified bride wearing hat, dress and coat with orchid corsage and the unidentified groom in a smart civilian suit covered in confetti and standing on confetti strewn steps; the third photo shows the bride with presumably her father.
Photographer: Portman Press Bureau
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Open
In this informal photograph Emma Cross is standing behind Matthew who is sitting in a garden chair with his panama hat balanced on his head. A black spaniel lies at his feet. This photo has been printed as a postcard.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Emma Cross is standing outside a house in the garden. One copy is an enlargement of part of the photograph and has a note on the back wishing her a happy birthday from friends.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Emma Cross is wearing a huge hat as she poses in a garden in this informal photo.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is now wearing the huge hat from the previous photo ref no. CRS/17/5/52. Emma Cross is seated in a garden chair in front of her.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An informal shot of Cross and Emma Cross standing together in a garden.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross stands in a garden laughing at the photographer in this informal shot.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Emma Cross is wearing a shawl and lace cap. One copy of this photograph is printed as a postcard.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Emma Cross is wearing a white cap with black lace covering tied with a big black bow under her chin.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is holding a cat in this informal photo taken in a garden.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross is leaning on a birdbath, her head in her hand, in this informal photo taken in a garden.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross and two unidentified women all in winter coats with handbags are photographed informally in the street, possibly in Aldeburgh.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross stands looking out of the door into the garden in this informal photograph
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross and an unidentified friend are sitting at a garden table under a sun umbrella with a birthday cake in front of them in these informal photographs
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Cross and an unidentified younger woman are looking at plants at a garden centre or nursery in this informal photograph.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Album containing informal snapshots of Cross with unidentified friends on different occasions. Also photographs of a garden.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
Album containing informal snapshots of Cross with friends on different occasions. There are a few labels identifying Brook Cottage, Timberyard and a few of the friends; most are unidentified.
Photographer: unidentified
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Open
An album made for Joan Cross to celebrate her 80th birthday. The first page has an inscription 'Joan/ a most happy occasion/ September 7th 1980/ Gordon David'. It contains many informal photos of the occasion. The participants are unidentified but include Peter Pears.
Includes press cutting 'A pioneer of English opera' by Alan Blyth from The Daily Telegraph, 6 Sep 1980.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Album of informal photographs taken of the celebrations of Joan Cross's 80th birthday. The participants are unidentified but include Peter Pears. There are some articles taken from magazines and newspapers at the end of the album. A pocket containing loose photographs which came loose from this album is tucked inside.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Album of informal photographs taken of unidentified friends, colleagues and places.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Album of informal photographs of Cross and unidentified friends and colleagues possibly taken of one single occasion. There are no identifying labels.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
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Album of informal photographs taken of the occasion to celebrate Cross's 90th birthday.The event took place at the Red House. There are no labels to identify the guests.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
A photograph taken at the party to celebrate Cross's 90th birthday held at the Red House. Cross is sitting in an armchair, her walking stick against her knee. Two unidentified guests are sitting near her and all are holding plates of food.
Photographer: Nigel Luckhurst
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also the album ref no. CRS/17/5/70
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A photograph taken at the party to celebrate Cross's 90th birthday held at the Red House. Cross is sitting in an armchair talking to three unidentified guests.
Photographer: Nigel Luckhurst
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also the album ref no. CRS/17/5/70
Open
A photograph taken at the party to celebrate Cross's 90th birthday held at the Red House. Cross is sitting in an armchair talking to an unidentified guest.
Photographer: Nigel Luckhurst
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also the album ref no. CRS/17/5/70
Open
A photograph taken at the party to celebrate Cross's 90th birthday held at the Red House. Basil Coleman is 3rd from the left in this group with three other unidentified men.
Photographer: Nigel Luckhurst
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
See also the album ref no. CRS/17/5/70
Open
An informal photograph of Cross and four other unidentified guests at an event at the Red House. Cross has a glass of red wine and a small bowl on the small table in front of her.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
An informal photograph of Cross sitting on a single bed probably in her room at Garrett House. An unidentified man is sitting in an armchair at the end of the bed. A collection of her pictures are on the wall.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
An informal photograph of Cross sitting in an armchair probably in her room at Garrett House. She is surrounded by her possessions, books and pictures.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
An informal photograph of Cross and an unidentified friend walking in the garden of a house. Cross is leaning on a walking stick.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is sitting in an armchair. An unidentified young man is squatting down beside her in conversation.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Cross is sitting in an armchair. An unidentified young man is squatting down beside her.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Friend of Joan Cross, Smith is standing in a city street. A note 'Eric Tobacconist' is written on the back.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Friend of Joan Cross, Smith is sitting and reading in this informal photo.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Friend of Joan Cross, Smith is standing in a brick archway with a camera around his neck in this relaxed holiday photograph.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Friend of Joan Cross, Smith poses in this close up.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Friend of Joan Cross, Smith is standing on a riverbank taking a photograph.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Friend of Joan Cross, Smith and an unidentified young man are seated crossed legged on the ground in front of a craggy outcrop. Smith is smoking a pipe.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Friend of Joan Cross, Smith is posing with an unidentified small boy.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Friend of Joan Cross, Smith is standing looking at a beach in this informal holiday snap.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Snyder is sitting on a sofa opening a present. A note on the back reads: 'Louis Snyder / March 23,1986 / (74th birthday)'.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Pollak is sitting on a bed with a box of photos in front of her. A note on the back reads: "Special love to Joan-/ & birthday wishes-/ Ever, Anna / July '92".
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Pollak and two unidentified friends are sitting at a table in a garden surrounded by roses.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Anna Pollak has annotated this photo with an arrow and AP pointing to her bedroom.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
A close up photo of part of a house. Anna Pollak has made a note on the back: 'Back door to kitchen'.
Photographer: unidentified
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Material relating to Joan Cross received from sources other than Joan Cross herself or her estate.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader's Undertaking form.
Open
Material belonging to Joan Cross, formerly in possession of her friend, Leo Kersley. These items include letters, papers, publications, scraps of music manuscript, press cuttings, programmes, notebooks and photographs.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Series of Festival Programme books belonging to Joan Cross. Cross features in some of the programmes as a performer in the Festival.
Some volumes have items inserted such as Festival leaflets, audition lists, letters and handwritten notes made by Cross.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Festival programme for the 4th Aldeburgh Festival, featuring Joan Cross as Lady Billows in a performance of Albert Herring on 15 Jun 1951.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Includes Operatic Concert on 14 June, featuring Joan Cross singing with Peter Pears, Nancy Evans and Jennifer Vyvyan.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Two copies, one has been annotated. Includes Opera Concert on 20 June, featuring Joan Cross singing with Peter Pears and Martha Lipton.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Featuring Joan Cross as Lady Billows in a performance of Albert Herring on 14 June.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Includes ticket for English Eccentrics concert at the Aldeburgh Festival 1964, EOG booklet and New London Orchestra booklet inserted inside the programme.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Inserted inside the front cover of the programme is an envelope addressed to Joan Cross with manuscript notes written on it, a subscription letter to English Opera Group in 1948, and a Bach at Long Melford leaflet. Inserted in the middle of the book is a Phoenix Opera Morley College audition list, and loose handwritten notes.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Includes insert for Curlew River performance on 23 June, and Bach at Long Melford leaflet inside the front page.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Programme book for Snape in London; a concert held by permission of the Royal Opera House by the Aldeburgh Festival for the Snape Maltings Rebuilding Fund. Includes performance of Britten's Two movements for Piano Concerto Op.13 and The Lute Song 'Happy were he' from Gloriana. Also performed: works by Schubert, Diabelli, Boccherini, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Purcell. The programme includes plans for the rebuilding of Snape Maltings.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript insert inside for scenes from Goethe's Faust.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Three programmes for opera performances in Germany.
Programme for La Boheme in Berlin, Komische Oper, 15 Dec 1959.
Programme for Medea in Berlin, Stadtische Oper, 16 Dec 1959.
Programme for Hoffermans Erzahlungen in Berlin, Komische Oper, no date.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Letters from and to Joan Cross. Correspondence has been arranged alphabetically by surname of recipient.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
See also section CRS/3 for further correspondence.
Open
One manuscript letter from Joan Cross to Michael [surname unknown].
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript letter from accountancy firm with information regarding a cheque from Britten and Pears.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding performing in an operatic tour.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Two typescript letters from the BBC signed Robbie, regarding Joan Cross performing Madame Butterfly as a studio opera.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter from W Blakely, from the Cambridge Arts Theatre.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter congratulating Joan Cross for the Sautley Memorial for Singers award.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Invitation for an afternoon party.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
CRS/3/15, Correspondence to Joan Cross from Buckingham Palace
Open
Typescript letter from the Borough Polytechnic.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript letter regarding acquring a property.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript letter from the assistant to Rudolf Bing at Glyndebourne Opera, asking Joan Cross to attend an appointment for costume fittings for The Rape of Lucretia.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding Joan Cross's trips to Zurich and Scotland.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript letter from Fielding Neswon-Smith & Co banking department.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding lessons for Peter Grimes.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter asking Joan Cross for tuition in singing.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding costume designs for Pique Dame at the Old Vic and Sadler's Wells during the war. Includes typescript drafted reply from Joan Cross.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter, mentions David Hemmings and opera season.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding his wife's stay in hospital.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript postcard congratulating Joan Cross for her performance in Peter Grimes at Covent Garden. The signature has been tentativley guessed as Ian Macpherson.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Phoenix Opera, regarding Bill Southgate and Billingham School concerts (Albert Herring and the Barber of Seville), cast list attached.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript letter thanking Joan Cross for sending production photographs of Poppea.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Telegram to Oslo wishing Joan Cross success.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Card with manuscript note, congratulating Joan Cross for her work. No date.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding Joan Cross taking the part of Elsa in Lohengrin.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter thanking Joan Cross for her revival of Der Rosenkavalier.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding the Scottish opera season.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript and manuscript correspondence signed by James R, likely to be James Robertson, Director of Opera from Sadler's Wells Theatre.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter thanking Joan Cross for her performance as Desdemonda in Othello at Sadler's Wells. No date.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter from a fan.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter regarding Joan Cross' retirement and the Barber of Seville. A tentative identification has been made from the cast list for The Barber of Seville in letter to Annette McNiven CRS/19/1/2/18.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Postcard with birthday greetings. No date.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Tentative identifications have been added in square brackets.
Postcard signed by Norman and Paul [Norman and Pauline del Mar?] 11 Sep 1985,
Manuscript letter from Tommy [surname unknown], regarding Lohengrin, no date.
Manuscript letter from [unknown], 6 Feb 1955, sending a typescript script titled 'My First Opera', BBC, Dec 1948.
Telegram from Billy [surname unknown] to Joan Cross in Oslo, sending well wishes for one of her Norweigian productions. No date.
Manuscript letter from Joan [surname unknown], sending a birthday card (not in file). No date.
Postcard from Derek [surname unknown], sent from Canada. No date.
Two typescript letters signed [Joan?] from Chapel Farm, regarding Joan Cross needing an accompanist for a recital. 25-29 Aug 1947.
Christmas card from Neville [surname unknown], illustrated with parts sung by Joan Cross at Sadler's Wells including Desdemona in Verdi's Othello and Elsa in Wagner's Lohengrin, no date.
Manuscript letter from Hans [surname unknown], 2 Sep 1953.
Two manuscript letters from Mabel [surname unknown], 4 Nov and 21 Dec 1948.
Anonymous manuscript letter signed by 'A well wisher', with their thoughts on performances at Sadler's Wells. No date.
Manuscript letter from Winnie [surname unknown], 7 Apr 1946, wishes Joan Cross success in Switzerland.
- Three envelopes addressed to Joan Cross, one dated 20 Mar 1928, one is addressed to Elsa in Lohengrin, and the other has been readdressed to Mr F Poore in New Zealand. All have no letters inside or attached.
- A torn postcard, with the address of Miss Johnson, 6 Feb 1936
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
A file of cards, telegrams and letters to Joan Cross following her performance in Albert Herring as Lady Billows for the 1957 Aldeburgh Festival.
Includes telegrams and notes from Agness and Nichola Sekers, signed as Niki Sekers, Con and Eric Morgan, Anne Wigley, the Festival Council, Hans Schneider, Anthony Gishford, Imogen Holst, and Benjamin Britten. There are also letters from Liz [Elizabeth Sweeting] and Viola [Tunnard] and Martin; tentative identifications have been added in square brackets. There is also a ticket for the performance.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter with envelope addressed to Joan Cross 'For Florence'.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript letter sending their opinion on a performance of La Traviata, no date.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Notebooks and drafted notes made by Joan Cross about her career.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript notes made by Joan Cross on the operas Lohengrin and Cosi Fan Tutte. There is also a list of names at the end of the notebook, under the sub-heading 'July', including Basil Coleman and William Servaes.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
There is a loose ticket inside for Benjamin Britten's 50th Birthday Concert at Royal Festival Hall on 22 Nov 1963. The initial pages of the notebook begin as a calendar, with some operas listed in months and years between 1930-1936. There is also a list of names. The pages in the middle of the book are blank. At the back of the notebook are press cuttings for articles written by V Sackville-West about gardening, as well as some drafted notes about Cross's stage expereriences.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript notes made by Joan Cross, there is a list of theatres and music, and some floor plan illustrations.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript notes, dated like diary between from 21 Oct 1940 to 13 Oct 1941 with notes about productions at Sadler's Wells.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript draft by Joan Cross about her career and Lilian Baylis. This page has been torn in half.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript notes 'The Britten Folk Songs' including the words for Foggy Dew, 'Purely Selfish Elegy', Dido and Anaeas, Traviata and Gloriana.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Manuscript notes made by Joan Cross, one is likely to be a drafted letter regarding Joan Cross making a change to her will, the other seems to be Joan Cross writing about an unidentified performer.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Books, magazines and newspapers owned by or regarding Joan Cross.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Includes an introduction by Benjamin Britten and articles by E M Forster, Montagu Slater and Edward Sackville-West.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Typescript copy of the libretto, with manuscript annotations. 'Complimentary copy' has been stamped on the front cover. There is a character list and synopsis.
Music by Bedrich Smetana, and English libretto by Joan Cross and Eric Crozier.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
A Quarterly Review book for Spring 1950. Includes articles by Donald Mitchell, Hans Keller, Benjamin Britten, Hans F Redlich, Harold Truscott and Charles Stuart.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Printed libretto with character list. Music by Benjamin Britten and words by William Plomer.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Magazine featuring Joan Cross on the front cover in costume as Queen Elizabeth in Gloriana. Includes article 'Britten's Opera for the Coronation is An Offering to the Queen' by Anthony Gishford.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Britten is featured on the front cover in an issue for his 50th birthday. Includes article about Peter Pears and his contribution to and intepretation of Britten's music and operas, as well as singing works by other composers. Also includes articles 'How great is Britten? or why I am right' by Hans Keller, 'Britten in interview' by Murray Schafer, 'A viewpoint on Britten' by Noel Goodwin, 'Britten on record' by Frank Granville Barker, and 'The neglected Britten' by Bryan Fairfax.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Includes interview 'At the Court of Benjamin Britten' by John Lucas, with a photograph of Britten taken by Chris Smith. The article is about the founding of the Aldeburgh Festival and the fire at Snape Maltings in 1969.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Includes a review of Aldeburgh Anthology, a book edited by Ronald Blythe featuring essays by participants in the Aldeburgh Festival. Includes printed black and white photographs of Snape Maltings, Blythburgh Church and a photograph of Pears, Britten and Imogen Holst.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Press cuttings and printed photographs from magazines and newspapers. Includes articles and reviews regarding performances by Joan Cross, as well as theatre news about other artists.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Printed reproduction of an article with a review of Madame Butterfly, mentioning Lilian Baylis, Winifred Brady and Charles Corri.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Notification of a performance change for BBC broadcast of One Night of Love; Joan Cross replaces Hella Toros. Cutting is from the International Press-Cuttings Bureau.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Photograph and article notifying readers about the new production of Verdi's 'Othello' at Sadler's Wells, starring Joan Cross as Desdemona and John Wright as Othello. Cutting is from the International Press-Cuttings Bureau.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Review for the American premiere of Albert Herring by Philip Hamburger 'Musical Events: May Day at Loxford'.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Article 'Suffolk's Royal Day', about the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in Aldeburgh to open Snape Maltings concert hall.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Photographs of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in Aldeburgh, accompanied with article 'Queen tells Suffolk: Congratulations on helping the Arts'.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
Open
Article 'Crosstalk' by Edward Greenfield, with photograph of Joan Cross in Madame Butterfly in 1931.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Article by Peter Stadlen 'A peers' birthday tribute', advertising Peter Pears - A Birthday Tribute on his 75th Birthday, edited by Marion Thorpe.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Tribute to Peter Pears after his death by Dennis Barker.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Article by Andrew Lumsden 'Peter Pears: de mortius jocundi nil nisi bunkum', regarding published obituaries for Peter Pears having omitted his relationship with Britten.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Article 'Making Opera Feasible' by Eric Johns regarding Glen Byam Shaw's opera productions at Sadler's Well's.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Four scenes from One Man Show, as well as photographs of Nicholas Maw and Arthur Jacobs, and Andrzej Panufnik taken by Eric Auerbach.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Article about Anne Wigley attending her 1000th performance at Covent Garden. No date is given.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Incomplete music manuscripts written in pencil and ink. The manuscripts are untitled and the majority of the sheets are incomplete pages with only a few lines of music on them.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Concert information and material related to Britten and Pears.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Menu themed on Albert Herring.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Held at Wigmore Hall, performing Schubert's Winterreise.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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In aid of the Aldeburgh Appeal.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Held in London by the Britten-Pears Foundation.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Event held at Harlow Technical College, The High, Harlow. On 24 Nov, no year is given.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
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Booklet for memorial tribute and service for Edith Coates, 24 Oct 1983
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.
This material is made available under the standard conditions of Britten Pears Arts. Readers will be required to produce proof of identity and to sign a Reader’s Undertaking form.