Records of University Opera at the University of Nottingham, 1956-1963

The collection comprises correspondence and other papers relating to the preparation and production of Henry Purcell's dramatic operas 'Dioclesian' (1963), 'King Arthur' (1956) and 'The Fairy Queen' (1959) by the University of Nottingham's University Opera company. The following series are present:

• Minutes. 1956-1963 (UN UU 13/1);
• Programmes and posters. 1956-1963 (UN UU 13/2);
• Papers relating to ticketing for 'Dioclesian', including seating plans for the university's Great Hall showing seats sold, sample ticket, and a list of names to receive complimentary tickets. 1963 (UN UU 13/3);
• Papers relating to publicising the production of 'Dioclesian', including mailing lists for posters and bills. 1963 (UN UU 13/4);
• Other papers including financial items relating to the production of 'Dioclesian', rehearsal schedules, and a few items of correspondence. 1959-1963 (UN UU 13/5).

Little is known about the history, status and achievements of the University of Nottingham's University Opera. Interest in opera grew out of the student Music Society which was established sometime between 1935 and 1937. The first mention of a specialist Opera Group in connection with the Music Society appears in the student handbook in 1955 with reference to the group's annual February production, which had become a prominent event on the university calendar. It was held in the Great Hall and was the only Music Society event to charge an admission fee. By 1963, University Opera had a business manager to co-ordinate ticket sales and supervise the payment of performers and suppliers. The opera group continued to flourish into the 1980s.

Items in the collection have been arranged chronologically where possible.

ACCESS: Accessible to all registered readers.

• This description is the only finding aid available for the collection. Copyright on the description belongs to The University of Nottingham.

REPROGRAPHIC: Reprographic copies can be supplied for educational use and private study purposes only, depending on access status and the condition of the documents.

COPYRIGHT: Identification of copyright holders of unpublished material is often difficult. Permission to make any published use of any material from the collection must be sought in advance in writing from the Keeper of Manuscripts and Special Collections (email mss-library@nottingham.ac.uk).

The collection was given to the University's Department of Manuscripts in April 1969.