We have received belated word of the death of Ken Collins, in Lavender Bay, Australia, on July 26. He was 81.
Ken was one of the adornments of Welsh and British opera in the 1970s and 1980s, a splendid spinto who never gave less than his best.
Here’s an appreciation by WNO’s David Pountney:
We learned only this week about the death on July 26th, aged 81, in Lavender Bay, Australia, of the splendid tenor Ken Collins. Ken made an enormous contribution to WNO in the 1970s as a ringing, vigorous spinto tenor, perfect for the heroic roles in Manon Lescaut, Il trovatore, I masnadieri, Ernani and Andrea Chénier. These raw, energetic Verdi and verismo operas were the backbone of WNO’s repertoire at the time, and the company was fortunate to have the services of a tenor who had the perfect, clarion, ringing instrument to deliver these roles with his signature sincerity, passion and vibrant physical and vocal energy. I saw many of these performances, and Ken is part of my fond memories of WNO in an era when I was seeing many of these operas for the first time.
We salute Ken for his important role in WNO’s history, and send our condolences to his children, Ian, Paul, Adam and Kim. Please accept this belated tribute from a grateful company.
We have received the following statement from the City of London Police.
04 October 2013
For immediate release
Man arrested for historical sexual offences
On Thursday 3rd October, City of London Police arrested a 62-year-oldman on suspicion of the rape and indecent assault of a girl between 1988 and 2003 and the indecent assault of a girl between 1977 and 1982.
The arrest follows two separate reports being made to City of London
Police in August. Some of the alleged offences are said to have taken
place at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama between 1977 and 2003
and it is alleged they started when the girls were aged 16.
The man was first arrested on 23rd August on suspicion of a separate
offence of the rape and indecent assault of a 16 year old girl in
1978. The man has been bailed by police to return in November.
Anyone with information that may assist with this investigation is
encouraged to contact City of London Police on 0207 164 8151 or 0207
164 8177 where an officer will be available or email:
investigation@cityoflondon.police.uk.
IATSE/Local One blacked out the hall on opening night over their members’ right to control furniture movement in the newly created Education Wing,opening next year. The peace agreement, signed today, allows IATSE members ‘limited jurisdiction’ in the new areas.
They get toshift school chairs? At $400,000 a year?
Sound like a climbdown by Carnegie. Press release follows.
CARNEGIE HALL REACHES NEW CONTRACT AGREEMENT
WITH IATSE/LOCAL ONE
| (For Immediate Release, New York, NY)—Carnegie Hall today announced that it has reached a new collective bargaining agreement with IATSE/Local One (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees). The new agreement includes limited jurisdiction for IATSE/Local One in Carnegie Hall’s newly-created Education Wing in ways that will enable Carnegie Hall to create a flexible, hands-on learning environment for activities serving students, young artists, and teachers, ensuring that the institution can meet all its education objectives.
“Carnegie Hall is very pleased to reach this new agreement with IATSE/Local One, one that meets all of our institution’s education needs as we work toward fulfilling the potential of our new spaces in Carnegie Hall’s Education Wing,” said Clive Gillinson, Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall.
Carnegie Hall’s Education Wing will house new spaces dedicated to the Hall’s expanding music education and community programming. Located within the existing upper floors of Carnegie Hall’s building, it is scheduled to open in fall 2014.
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