Re: GG: Anna Russell

["Kris Shapar" <kshapar@nicom.com>]

I don't know if the "concert comedienne" (as she called herself) is still 
alive, although I remember reading an article about her a couple 
years ago that said she was happily living in a Canadian retirement 
community.

I first learned about her in the 60s. She used to give concerts in the 
DC area every so often, and went on several "Farewell" tours. I don't 
know exactly how famous she was at the apex of her fame -- maybe 
a little less than Victor Borge? -- but I think most classical music 
lovers who read newspapers knew of her. 

In addition to her albums, she wrote "The Power of Being a Positive 
Stinker", which included some wonderful photos and a disk with 
songs like "Jolly Old Sigmund Freud".

If you ever get the chance to see one of her performances -- there are 
videos around -- take it! She is one of the most delightful performers 
I've ever seen. Thank you for reminding me of her!

On 15 Jul 98, about GG: Anna Russell, Junichi Miyazawa <walkingtune@bigfoot.com> had this to say:

> 
> So this is what GG refered to with Anna Russell.
> I understand she made a reduced (and funny) version of the Ring cycle.
> Could anyone tell me more about Anna Russell
> and her "Ring" cycle well enough to understand accurately
> what GG means in the interview and to add a footnote for it?
> 
> Thank you in advance.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Junichi
> 
> P.S. I got to know she was born in 1911.  Is she still alive?
> Was/Is she fairly famous?  Particularly in Canada?
> I read Sir Earnest MacMillan used to invite her to his annual
> Chrismas concerts of TSO.
>
                                 
Kris Shapar
____________________________________________________________________
          To doubt everything or to believe everything
          are two equally convenient solutions; both
          dispense with the necessity of reflection.
                              - Jules Henri Poincare'