Heather Mary Harper
(1930-), SopranoSitter in 2 portraits
A leading soprano with the English Opera Group, Harper made her first appearance at the Aldeburgh Festival in 1956, when she sang in Imogen Holst's realisation of John Blow's Venus and Adonis. She had an extensive concert career, and in 1962, at ten days notice, sang the part created by Benjamin Britten for Galina Vishnevskaya, at the premiere in Coventry Cathedral of War Requiem. Other notable performances in Britten's operas included Ellen Orford in Peter Grimes, the Governess in The Turn of the Screw and Coyle's Wife in Owen Wingrave.
by Godfrey Argent
bromide print, 14 October 1969
NPG x17415
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