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Jussi Bjorling Memorial And Centennial Events 2011-2012, Harald Henrysson

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

October 27 (20:00) New York, NY, Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church.

October 29 (20:00) Cranston, RI, Rhode Island Center for the Performing Arts at Park Theatre.

October 31 (19:00) Washington, DC, House of Sweden.

November 2 (19:00) Philadelphia, PA, The Ethical Society of Philadelphia.

November 4 (19:00) Chicago, IL, North Park University's Anderson Chapel.

November 5 (19:00). Ann Arbor, MI, Kerrytown Concert House

Last Chance For Jubilee Book!

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

We still have a few copies left of Jacob Forsell's "Jussi Sangen Manniskan Bilderna (The music, the man, the pictures):' While the text is in Swedish, the photographs are wonderful, the book is lavishly and elegantly produced, and it includes a CD with musical selections as well as Harald Henrysson and Roger Alderstrand's complete performance chronology-somehow a recent reviewer missed that part!

The Jubilee Memorial Concert, September 2, Royal Opera, Stockholm: A Reaction To The Broadcast, Ward Murray

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Note: the concert on September 2nd was shown on Swedish television twice on the weekend after the concert itself. Swedish TV then kept the program available for viewing on its web site for some time afterwards.

Thanks to Allan Buchalter for capturing this gala so that it might be available past Swedish Television's cutoff of 3 October.

International Jussi Bjorling Centennial Conference: Stockholm And Borlange, Sue Flaster

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

This centennial year has had an incredible number of concerts and remembrances in the US and many other countries, but there was something special about celebrating this important milestone in Stockholm, and in the venues where JB's adult musical education began, and where he both made his operatic debut and performed far more than in any other theater.

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Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

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Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

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News From Voxna

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The road leading from the main highway past the Voxna church h as now been renamed Bjorlings vag (Bjorling Way) . It was previously Nybrovagen (New Bridge Way) and is about a kilometer long. The name change was primarily the work of Cultural Commissioner Carina Isaaksson, who had worked with the Scandinavian Society in search of a way to commemorate the Bjorling centennial. The new street was officially opened by provincial governor Barbro Holmberg.

Last Chance For Swedish Memorial Concert And Conference!

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Most of you have received a special mailing from JBS-USA in early July about these upcoming events, but there is clearly something very special about being in Sweden for the centennial celebrations of the great Bjorling. The Scandinavian Society has put together an exciting program which will take us close to some of the high points of Jussi's brilliant career.

Writing About Jussi's Recordings, Stephan Hastings

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In his 1945 autobiography Jussi Bjorling advocated setting up a national archive of sound recordings. There is thus no doubting his awareness of the significance of his own legacy in this field, as well as that of earlier singers like Caruso. The Neapolitan of course was the tenor who influenced the adult Bjorling more than any other, and in writing a full length study of Jussi's most significant recordings-building on the invaluable research undertaken by Harald Henrysson for his PHONOGRAPHY- I have come across multiple examples of that influence.

Jussi Bjorling Memorial And Centennial Events-2011, Harald Henrysson

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

August 13 Stockholm, Skansen, Solliden. Jussi Bjorling memorial concert with tenors Gwyn Hughes Jones, Joachim Backstrom & Markus Pettersson. JB presentation by Bertil Bengtsson.

August 14 (17:00) Strangnas, Malsikers slott (Malsaker Palace).

Jussi Bjorling memorial concert by Mats Carlsson (ten) & musicians from Scenkonst Sormland.

Bluebell Grona Lund Box, New Naxos Box, New Box From Sony

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Your Society supported Bluebell Records in producing this elegant and very welcome 3-CD set of JB's complete Grona Lund recordings. The recordings have been carefully remastered, and are heard at the correct pitches and in wonderful sound. Copies of the set are available from the JBS-USA at $30 + $5 shipping.

Centennial Events Begin!

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Highlights of the "official" start of centennial year celebrations included an exciting concert on Feb. 5th hosted by the British JB Appreciation Society featuring Raymond Bjorling and pianist Joakim Andersson. At about the same time, the review of JB LIVE appeared in Gramophone magazine, written by the ailing John Steane. Mr. Steane, who had spoken at the Swedish Congress was a long-time supporter of all of the efforts of the Societies, and his incisiveness and enormous reservoir of experience and judgment cannot be duplicated.

Welcome To St. Peter! Jbs Celebrates The Bjorling Centenary, Ward Murray

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Many of us arrived in St. Peter on June 22nd to dark grey skies, blustery wind, and only 65 degrees Fahrenheit: we went scurrying to the Gustavus Adolphus College store to buy hoodies and windbreakers. This was in stark contrast to the balmy temperatures and blue skies a decade earlier. The grey clouds extended to the news that our president and driving force behind the centenary conference, Sue Flaster, would be unable to attend because of a painful back injury.

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Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

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Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

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Upcoming Jussi Bjorling Memorial And Centennial Events

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Upcoming Jussi Bjorling Memorial and Centennial events

2010

October 21 (15:00}. Stockholm, Operan, Guldfoajen (Opera House, Golden Foyer). Release of Jacob Forsell's book, "Jussi: Sangen, Manniskan, Bilderna (The music, the man, the pictures)" and presentation of the new "Jussi Bjorling Live" CD set. By invitation

2011

January 13 (19 :00). Vienna, GroBer Festsaal der lndustriellen Vereinigung. Jussi Bjorling memorial gala including tenors Piotr Beczala and Lars Bjorling. Presentation: Rudolf Wallner. Reception for invited guests at the Swedish ambassador's residence after the gala. An exhibition at the Vienna Opera is also planned.

Stora Tuna Church Memorial Concert, Harald Henrysson

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

On the evening of September 9th, Stephen Hastings and I and two friends went to Stora Tuna Church for a well-attended memorial concert. The Conservatory Chorus from Falun and Borganaskoren from Borlange had joined forces. The soloist was soprano Carolina Bengtsdotter-Ljung, a singer from Dalarna who once received the Jussi Bjorling Award and who has been active for several years in Germany. As a surprise -not included on the printed program- Raymond Bjorling appeared with "Tonerna" (on the 10th, he also gave a memorial concert at another Dalarna church). The concert was a fine and worthy tribute to Jussi's memory. …

London Celebrates Cds, Boheme, Dr. Richard Copeman

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The UK JB Appreciation Society com memorated the 50th anniversary of Bjorling's last Covent Garden performances of La boheme in March of 1960 with an afternoon event at Swedenborg Hall on Saturday, September 11th. Sadly John Steane, who was scheduled to speak, was ill and could not appear. In his place I presented the "Producer's Showcase" La boheme scene with Tebaldi as well as one of the "Voice of Fires tone" videos. I was able to use the audio system of the venerable Recorded Vocal Art Society, and members of that society were also present (I am treasurer of RVAS …

We Gather Together: September 9-10 Meetings In New York City, Dan Shea

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

For members of the Jussi Bjorling Society, the anniversary date of September 9 this year was more than usually fraught with memories of that 1960 day, whether that had been experienced personally or was simply a historical fact associated with a favorite singer's life story. To mark the occasion, there had been anniversary radio programs the previous weekend from Vermont and California, see for instance the interesting list of selections played during Peter Fox Smith's 4-hour tribute on the afternoon of September 4, at http:// www.vpr.net/episode/49386/. Mr. Smith conducts an anniversary program like this every year on the Saturday preceding …

"Jussiday" At Skansen: Our Three Tenors, And More, Stefan Olmars

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Some time ago, Sten Petri, who manages cultural events at Skansen, joined the Scandinavian Sallskapet. That inspired me to put together a commemorative concert at the Skansen open-air stage, where Jussi gave 52 concerts.

Centennial Conference Plans: Back To Minnesota!, Sue Flaster

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Although there is an huge slate of exciting events planned for 2011 in Sweden (see the updated list in this newsletter), many of our members here may not wish to travel that far (or that expensively!). With that in mind, the Jussi Bjorling Society-USA will host a commemorative conference in St. Peter, MN, at Gustavus Adolphus College, June 22-26 of 2011. This will probably be the principal US celebration of Jussi's centennial, and we are feeling very enthusiastic about this opportunity to meet again in Jussi Bjorling Recital Hall.

Chicago Memories, Paul Schroeder

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

A favorite story of JB at Chicago Lyric Opera comes from some "old timer" friends of my father: in II trovatore the conductor was not taking "di quella pira" fast enough for Jussi. He let go of the soprano's hand and started tapping his foot at the tempo he wanted. When the aria had finished, he pointed his sword at the conductor, lunged in his direction, and then ran off the stage. I wish I could have seen that!

Jussi Bjorling Live Broadcast Concerts 1937-1960 (West Hill Radio Archives), Kristian Krogholm

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Finally it arrived in my mailbox: the Jussi Bjorling four-CD set, a masterpiece from the Jussi Bjorling Society issued by West Hill Radio Archives. A superb compilation with splendid layout, texts, photos and great sound covering roughly half of Bjorling's known radio appearances in America between 1937 and 1956 . An impressive feat by any standards considering how frequently he sang on American radio. As a bonus on this four CD set, we get excerpts from some of his concerts in Sweden to complete the picture of a divinely gifted and beloved artist. We are offered a wide range of …

The Celebrations Begin: Summer Centennial And Memorial Events In Sweden, Sue Flaster

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The Voxna events this year were on July 12th and 13th and were the "official opening" of the Jussi year. Stefan Olmars had arranged for us to hear the great mezzo Ingrid Tobiasson as well as Olle Perssona baritone known mostly for intelligent lieder singing- and tenor Nils Olsson, this year's JB Sallskapet prize winner. The young man is a big guy with a big voice, and quite a crowd pleaser, although one hopes that a greater sense of nuance will come with age and experience.

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Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

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Reunion In Minnesota: Centennial Conference Plans, Jbs Board

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Many of us have warm memories of the JB Society conference held in St. Peter, MN in 2001. Since then, we've been together in NY, Sweden and Charleston, but the meeting at Gustavus Adolphus College had many special qualities: we were all together conveniently for meals, the event themselves were concentrated at the College and we were treated to the warm hospitality of Jan and Anders Bjorling .

You're Invited! Join A Celebration Of Jussi's Career In New York City, September 9, 10

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The enterprising Vocal Record Collectors' Society has scheduled a meeting on Friday evening, September 10, to celebrate the release by WHRA (West Hill Radio Archives) of its 4-CD collaborative project with the Jussi Bjorling Societies of Scandinavia, the UK, and the USA. The VRCS Board of Directors hereby invites all members of the Jussi Bjorling Societies to attend this special program.

"Jussi Bjorling Live: Broadcast Concerts 1937 - 1960", Dan Shea

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Jussi Bjorling introduced himself to America not by his first performances at the Metropolitan Opera starting in 1938, but rather in a remarkable series of three nationwide radio broadcasts made during 1937, on November 28 and December 5 and 19. As you can hear from a few surviving recordings made of those broadcasts, the 26-year-old tenor's brilliant voice and innate musicality projected beautifully through the microphone and the resulting attention enabled him to get a quick start on what became a major career in this country.

Major News From The Swedish Centennial Committee & Upcoming Events

Newsletter of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In a powerful impulse of national pride, H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf has become the official patron of the Jussi Bjorling centennial celebrations. The centennial committee has also gathered in a significant financial contribution from Swedish real estate magnate Stefan Sundh, (coincidentally, Bengt Krantz's cousin), and a sizeable award from Barbro Osher's Pro Suecia Foundation. There were also two smaller private donations. Among the many activities below which are made possible by these donations, the Scandinavian Sallskapet has also made a very large and helpful donation to the JBS-USA CD project (as has the British Society).