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Nancy Evans 1915–2000

For many music-lovers, the mezzo-soprano Nancy Evans will embody the most vital and enduring aspects of British operatic life during the second half of the twentieth century. An irreplacable asset to the English Opera Group during its heyday, she later achieved equal popularity as a singing-teacher, not least as (with Peter Pears) co-director of Singing Studies at the Britten-Pears School for Advanced Musical Studies and, after her retirement in 1986, as Director Emeritus.

After studies with John Tobin and Maggie Teyte, Nancy Evans made her London recital debut, aged nineteen, with Gerald Moore, and, only a year later, set down Dido for Decca in the first recording of Purcell’s opera. Her opera stage debut followed in 1938, in Sullivan’s The rose of Persia, and she soon graduated to small roles at Covent Garden.

In 1946 she began her association with the English Opera Group, alternating the part of Lucretia with Kathleen Ferrier. Her assumption of the role was considered by some authorities, including Reginald Goodall, as superior to that of Ferrier, and it was indeed Evans who was chosen to participate in the legendary first recording (still available from EMI).

For Britten, she also created the roles of Nancy in Albert Herring, of Polly Peacham in his realisation of The Beggar’s opera, and of Dido in his version of the Purcell, as well as premiering the song cycle A charm of lullabies, composed especially with her warmly lyrical voice and vivacious personality in mind.

Nancy Evans: born 19 March 1915; died 20 August 2000.