Carroll collection, including various papers, programs, printed publications, manuscript music and sheet music mainly relating to theatre, opera and music education in Sydney, ca. 1951-1981

MLMSS 8172

fonds

ca. 1951-1981

Textual Records, Manuscript Notated Music, Notated Music, Graphic Materials, Clippings, Ephemera, Photographs

152410

0.32 metres of textual material (2 boxes) - printed, manuscript, typescript

The history of theatre and opera in Australia dates back to colonial times with many performances pioneered by convicts. Theatres were opened by convicts from the very first years of settlement in the early 1790s. J.C. Williamson Ltd, founded in 1881 and originally known as Williamson, Garner and Musgrove, was the longest lasting theatrical organization to dominate the Sydney theatre scene and continued to operate until the 1970s.

The early 1950s saw seasons by two groups claiming to be the 'national' opera company. Clarice Lorenz's New South Wales National Opera and Gertrude Johnson's Melbourne-based National Theatre Opera Company. Financial problems and politics lead to their demise and the formation of the Elizabethan Trust Opera Company. J.C. Williamson made a final foray into opera in 1965 when they presented the Joan Sutherland-Williamson Grand Opera season. In 1966 the Elizabethan Trust Opera Company became a permanent company. It was renamed the Australian Opera in 1970, and started performing in the Sydney Opera House in 1973.

Reference:
Dictionary of Sydney. http://www.dictionaryofsydney.org (accessed 22 December 2011)

BOX 1
Programs of Australian opera companies ca. 1951-1981, including National Opera of Australia ca. 1951-1955, Sydney Metropolitan Opera August 1967, Sydney Opera Company 1970-1972 and Australian Opera ca. 1971-1981

International opera programs and publications ca. 1952-1978

Programs and printed publications relating to Australian theatre and music ca. 1954-1980, including Sydney Symphony Orchestra programs 1964-1968

City of Sydney Eisteddfod Programs, 30 September 1967-23 September 1972

BOX 2
Manuscript music signed by Camille Gheysens ca. 1958-1962

Clarice Lorenz correspondence ca. 1980, including typescript letter from Premier of NSW Sir Robert Askin, 26 June 1980, and manuscript letters to Mrs Lorenz commenting on the opera ‘Lucia’, 7 February 1980, Barry Benson of the Australia Opera Company and Mr Wills Official Secretary to the Governor of NSW

Printed sheet music and publications relating to music education ca. 1965-1971

Miscellaneous printed publications and newscuttings related to theatre, music and radio broadcasting ca. 1951-1978, including two photographs of M.R.A delegates at meeting in Baguio City Pines 1957 and unidentified group of three women, possibly performers?

Printed music syllabus manuals, teachers notes, music exam papers and letters relating to the Australian Music Examinations Board ca. 1965-1974. Printed and typescript

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Research & study copies allowed: Applies only to material in which the author has been deceased for more than 50 years
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales