The Gilbert and Sullivan Newsletter Archive

GILBERTIAN GOSSIP

No 2 -- April 1975     Edited by Michael Walters



ESSIE ACKLAND

The contralto Essie Ackland has died. She was the possessor or a wonderfully rich mellow, "old english"" style contralto voice. Her fine recording of "Love's Old Sweet Song" was used a few years ago by the BBC in its 75th anniversary recording. Her connection with G & S was slim; she recorded the role of the Duchess of Plaza Toro on the abridged recording of the Gondoliers issued about 1932.



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