Found 2 collections related to Opera companies -- United States

Opera director, concert singer, teacher, conductor and impresario, Dawson was the founder, president, and general manager of the National Negro Opera Company. Formed in 1941 due to Dawson's concern regarding the lack of opportunity for Afro-Americans in opera because of racial discrimination, for over 20 years the Company presented such productions as Verdi's Aida and La Traviata, and C.C. White's Ouanga. Among the featured opera singers were Minto Cato, Lillian Evanti, Muriel Rahn, Edward Boatner, and Robert McFerrin. Ms. Dawson also founded the Cardwell School of Music and the prize winning Cardwell-Dawson Chorus. At the time of Dawson's death in 1962, her proteges were appearing in the great opera houses of the world. Collection of documents relating to Dawson and the National Negro Opera Company. Collection includes a booklet describing the history and activities of the Company, biographical data on Dawson, and several certificates commending Dawson for her achivements and contributions to various organizations. less

Lois Kirschenbaum (1932-2021) was widely recognized in the opera world as an enthusiastic and long-standing fan who was a constant presence at performances of the Metropolitan Opera for nearly 50 years. She was a regular backstage visitor who befriended many vocalists. The Lois Kirschenbaum papers, dating from 1955 to 2010 (bulk dates 1955-1965), document operatic, instrumental, dance, and dramatic performances in New York City through autographed and annotated programs and photographs. The bulk of the collection pertains to the Metropolitan Opera. less