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Opening the Boxes: a Soprano's Secrets

Michael White explores the career of the British soprano singer Jennifer Vyvyan, who died in 1974. From 2011.

What happened when music critic Michael White was asked to look at some storage boxes, packed with memorabilia of the soprano Jennifer Vyvyan?

For several months, he and her son Jonathan Crown delved through them and uncovered the fascinating story of one of Britain's most dazzling classical music stars, who died in 1974.

Michael reveals his discoveries, from the dramatic roles Jennifer pioneered for Benjamin Britten to her definitive recordings of Handel, made with Sir Thomas Beecham and Sir Adrian Boult.

The singer’s aristocratic roots are revealed, plus a controversial marriage, her championing of new music and the baroque revival - as well as a lifelong struggle against a fatal disease.

There are also archive recordings of Vyvan herself, and the recollections of her contemporaries April Cantelo, Steuart Bedford and John Copley.
Enjoy one of the most golden voices of the post-war era of British music.

Producer: Alyn Shipton

A Unique production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in August 2011.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Thu 29 Jul 202102:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Thu 18 Aug 201111:30
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Thu 23 Feb 201706:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 23 Feb 201713:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 23 Feb 201720:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 24 Feb 201701:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 28 Jul 202114:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 29 Jul 202102:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra