George McNeilly papers, 1927-1984, being mainly compiled by Leonard Lye

MLMSS 8018

fonds

1927-1984

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Musical Sound Recordings, Nonmusical Sound Recordings, Clippings, Ephemera, Photographs

920113

0.32 metres of textual material (2 boxes)
2 sound cassettes (2hrs., 30mins.)

George McNeilly (1903–1987) was born in Orange, NSW, where his father held office as Mayor of Orange. Having shown early promise as a boy soprano, McNeilly went on to study singing at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney under Maestro Guido Cacialli, who had come to Australia with Nellie Melba’s touring party of 1902. He furthered his studies in London with Madame Blanche Marchesi, daughter of Mathilde Marchesi who taught Melba. McNeilly is recognised as having brought the Marchesi tradition to Australia where it had an important influence on the teaching of vocal technique.

During WWII, McNeilly was YMCA officer in Malaya and spent time in Changi Prison. While in Changi, he boosted the morale of fellow inmates by teaching music appreciation and voice production and organising concerts.

McNeilly taught music, singing and the art of speech to hundreds of students, many of whom became professional performers and teachers. He also travelled widely in Australia as a music adjudicator and choir coach.

Leonard Lye (d. 2000) was a singer with the Elizabethan Opera Trust, singing teacher and researcher of vocal pedagogy and Australian performance history. He studied the art of teaching singing under McNeilly and was the editor of 'Vocal studies for all voices', which was published after McNeilly’s death [available in the Mitchell Library Printed Books Collection at ML Q784.93/3 SET]. However, the preface states that the scales and exercises presented in the three volumes were devised by McNeilly.

Reference:
Compiled from the collection

BOX 1:

Writing folder of loose papers including letters received (1930-61), newscuttings (1927-28, 1941), concert programs, references from Anglican clergy (1951-59), and a Masons certificate (1927).

'George McNeilly Archive' Vols.1 & 2 (ring binders) compiled by Leonard Lye, including Eisteddfod certificates (1925), teaching notes, photographs, typescript biographical notes by Leonard Lye, newscuttings, concert programs, a list of McNeilly’s pupils, ms. biographical notes by Essie Whiteman (McNeilly’s sister). Includes photographs of George McNeilly, Leonard Lye, Frederic Collier, Essie Whiteman (sister of George McNeilly), Guido Cacialli, Peter Dawson, Lotte Lehmann, Noela Strange-Mure and Jack Roberts.

BOX 2:

Folder containing further biographical notes about McNeilly, notes about oratorio and papers concerning McNeilly’s YMCA work (newscuttings, programs, correspondence) compiled by Leonard Lye.

Original drafts for the book 'Vocal studies for all voices' in 3 folders, compiled by Leonard Lye. Includes some photographs of George McNeilly.

Music for masons – a lecture by George McNeilly, edited by Leonard Lye (ms. and typescript in exercise book).

Two music manuscript books including typescript notes on vocal technique by George McNeilly and printed pages 'How to sing a song' by Madame Clara Butt.

SOUND RECORDINGS (call no. MLOH 640)
Described in separate series-level record

Copyright status:: In copyright - This collection has multiple rights owners
Research & study copies allowed: Applies only to material in which Leonard Lye owns copyright. Copyright in his material in this collection has been assigned to the State Library of New South Wales.