Autograph Letter Initialed

Ridgefield, CT, 1960. Fine. 7" x 10.5", 2 pp., on personal letterhead stationary. Very readable, written in blue ink on both sides. Stamped mailing envelope included.<br /> <br /> Alice Geraldine Farrar (1882 - 1967) was an American soprano opera singer and film actress, noted for her beauty and acting ability. She had a large following among young women, who were nicknamed "Gerry-flappers". Farrar made her debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera in Romeo et Juliette in 1906. She appeared in the first Met performance of Puccini's Madam Butterfly in 1907 and remained a member of the company until her retirement in 1922, singing 29 roles there in 672 performances. Farrar recorded extensively for the Victor Talking Machine Company and was often featured prominently in that firm's advertisements. Her personal life was of great interest to the public, including alleged affairs with Arturo Toscanini, Enrico Caruso. In the year of this letter she received two (2) stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.<br /> <br /> Sir Francis Robinson (1910-1980) began his career in the theatre as an usher at the Ryman Auditorium while he was studying at Vanderbilt. After World War II, Robinson was hired by impresario Sol Hurok to help with the Metropolitan Opera annual tours. Robinson's extraordinary gift for public relations led to the expansion of his duties at the Met to include head of the box office and subscriptions, and in 1954 he was made assistant manager of the company under the legendary Rudolf Bing. He went on to spend more than thirty years at the Metropolitan Opera. "Dear Sir Francis: So many thanks for the ballet brochure in hand...I played the Schubert Mass record - truly a lovely thing in every respect and I thank you again...Melody - melody - in every phase...and joyful in its simplicity. A departure from the dazzling operatic urge of the Catholic Mass...I will put on my best bib and tucker to present, but in a rear pew, so I can escape before the good apostle officiating can drag me into the circle. All good wishes /s/ G. F.