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Dear Friends, Mickey Dove

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Welcome to The Jussi Bjorling Society - USA and to our official letter!

I'm Florence (Mickey) Dove, one of the organizers of the US Society. Dan, Tom, Andy, and I want to thank you for your patience as we address the structural elements and myriad organizational detail required to establish the Society properly.

Ix. Up And Coming

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In my next letter, I'll share more biographical information, bring you up to date on legal matters, etc.

Viii. Sponsor Information

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Sponsor Information with addresses and email.

Vii. Membership Information

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The following information on membership is included for those who may not have received previous letters.

Vi. Musical Notes

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

A. The following was contributed by Cantor Don Goldberg:

B. On a recent trip to Richmond, Virginia, I was able to obtain twelve clippings from the Richmond Times Dispatch and the Richmond News Leader.

V. In The Spotlight, Don Quinn

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In my last letter, I shared with you the stories of how Dan, Andy, Tom, and I became fans of JB. In this letter, I want to introduce Don Quinn:

Iv. Assistance Needed

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Many of you have asked how you might help with the work of the Society. Following are areas where assistance is needed. Please contact me or one of the other sponsors if you:

Iii. Legal Activities

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Dan continues to work on incorporating the Society in the state of Wisconsin. I'm currently working on the forms required by the federal government to obtain tax exempt status. I'll keep you apprised of direction and progress.

Ii. Information We Would Like To Have From You

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

If you have not already provided your address, telephone/fax numbers, etc. please send them to me. There are some pieces of information which are more easily shared via fax and regular mail, and we want to ensure that you receive them.

I. Mission And Objectives/Operating Principles Of The Jussi Bjorling Society - Usa

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In my last letter to you I indicated that we are working toward developing a statement of mission and objectives, as well as a statement of operating principles. To keep you apprised of direction and progress, I am including both for your information. Please be aware, however, that neither of these statements has been finalized.

Dear Friends, Mickey Dove

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Welcome to The Jussi Bjorling Society - USA and to our second official letter.

Viii. Up And Coming

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

• A feature on the JB Museum and updates/happenings from Sweden, including the progress of plans for events in Borlange in 2000.

• Jussiana available from the Museum.

• The latest on our Advisory Board and Honorary Advisors.

• Progress with by-laws for the Society and other legalities.

• News of our first convention of the JBS - USA, Inc.

• Ideas from you! Your suggestions and ideas are always welcome.

Vii. Finalized Mission And Objectives/Operating Principles Of The Jussi Bjorling Society - Usa, Inc.

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In my May letter I provided you with a draft copy of the Society's mission and objectives and statement of operating principles. I'm happy to announce that both documents have been finalized by the Board of Directors and are included below for your information.

Vi. Join The Society

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

After several months of organizing, we are delighted to invite you to join the Jussi Bjorling Society-USA, Inc. Many of you have expressed a keen interest in the society, and this is your opportunity to give our group its strongest possible start.

V. Musical Notes

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Met To Release Recording of the 1949 Manon Lescaut Broadcast

The 1950 Ballo May Be Remastered

Swedish Songs

Record-Breaking Seasons

Bjorling Memorial Concert

New Jussi Documentary

Heppner Acknowledges His Hero

Iv. In The Spotlight, Cantor Don Goldberg

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In my last letter, I shared with you Don Quinn's story. This month I am pleased to introduce member Cantor Don Goldberg.

Iii. Bjorling's Touch Of Class, Roger Pines

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Following are excerpts from Mr. Pines' excellent article in the Opera World, Vol. 14 (enclosed):

Ii. An Interview With Andrew Farkas Regarding " Jussi", Dan Shea

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

We recently called Andrew Farkas for news about his biography "Jussi," written with the tenor's widow Anna-Lisa. Although it was published barely 22 months ago, the book is already in its second printing - and may well need a third printing in early 1999. Sales seem to be strongest in the US and the UK, but surprisingly not so strong in Sweden. Mr. Farkas guesses that may be due to the existence of Mrs. Bjorling's earlier biography in Swedish. Since "Jussi" started from a translation of that work, and follows it closely in the early chapters about Jussi's youth, Swedish …

I. Welcome Fellow Jussiphiles, Mickey Dove

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Since my last letter to you, there have been many exciting things happening!

Newspaper Clippings

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Newspaper clippings from Jussi Bjorling's life.

Looking Ahead

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

1. Bertil Bengtsson's article about Jussi's phenomenal 1934-1935 season.

2. En Minnesbok! Two to three reminiscences (translation by Gail Campain).

3 . The first installment of Jussi Bjorling's Saga, also from Ms. Campain.

4. A feature on the JB Museum and "Jussi In America."

5 . 1999 Convention update.

6. Ideas from you! Your suggestions and ideas are always welcome.

7. How to order CDs from the JB Museum. Many of you have asked where you can get hard-to find live performances. we'll provide a complete list of what's available from the Museum with prices and shipping information in dollars.

Comments About Jb From..., Jurgen Kesting, Yrsa Stenius

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Jurgen Kesting, author of The Great Singers:

And Journalist Yrsa Stenius:

Become A Member Of Jbs-Usa!

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Subscribe to the Jussi Bjorling Society -USA, Inc. As noted in our last information letter, we are aiming at offering a variety of benefits that we think you will enjoy:

His Voice Thrills Anew, Clyde Neibarger

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

One of this season's most demonstrative Music Hall audiences applauded and shouted its enthusiasm last night for the thrilling voice and artistry of Jussi Bjoerling, Swedish tenor, who is at the crest now of his remarkable vocal prowess. Bjoerling won hands down the acclaim of a large, though not capacity, audience. He gave vivid proof that he is both a song recitalist and a master of the dramatic vocalism of grand opera.

Ask The Experts!, Dan Shea

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Ask the Experts, edited by Dan Shea, will provide an opportunity for you to submit questions on Jussi's career and discography and have them answered by some of the most knowledgeable Jussicologists in the world. Our first "Ask The Experts" question is a fascinating one that I know you will find of interest. Dan Shea and Andrew Farkas respond

Test Your Knowledge!, Tom Hines

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

"Test Your Knowledge," edited by Tom Hines, will be a regular feature in our Journal. Tom will challenge you regarding your knowledge of Jussicology- general items and obscure trivia that will provide some good fun and definitely test your erudition. He'll provide 8-10 challenging trivia questions; you provide the answers- if you can!

Autographed Photograph Of Jb Available

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The Jussi Bjorling Museum has produced an elegant, autographed photograph of Jussi for sale. Please note that prices are approximate and don't include postage. To order, contact the JB Museum directly for exact prices and shipping charges:

Jb Memorial Tenor Competition In Borlange, Sweden

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In our last Information Letter we reported that the JB Memorial Tenor Competition, an international contest, will likely be held in Borlange, Sweden, in the year 2000. As of late August, however, planning appeared to be temporarily on hold pending the outcome of Sweden's national elections. By the time you receive this, it is hoped that plans for the competition will be moving forward.

The Original Three Tenors Documentary, Mickey Dove

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

D wing my recent trip to the JB Museum in Borlange, I was privileged to spend a few minutes discussing the upcoming documentary film "The Original Three Tenors" (JB, Caruso, and Gigli) with Mr. Richard Fawks, who was directing the film crew. The crew had gathered at the Museum for coffee prior to spending the day shooting background material in the Museum and in Borlange, Jussi's birthplace.

En Minnesbok And Jussi Bjorling Saga Translated

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

En Minnesbok ("a memorial book") is a book of reminiscences about JB. Written shortly after Jussi's death, En Minnesbok reflects much of the shock and sorrow felt by those who loved and worked with Jussi. The material was collected by Bertil Hagman and published in 1960 by Albert Bonniers in Sweden. Unfortunately, the book has been out of print for some time. En Minnesbok contains Haginan's short biography of JB and some thirty-nine personal memories of various lengths by Jussi's associates, friends, and fellow performers such as J. Forsell, N. Grevillius, H. Schymberg, B. Nilsson, E. Soderstrom, K. Meyer, J. …