Nancy Evans was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant contribution to the world of opera and art song. Born on 22nd May 1925 in London, England, Nancy was the daughter of a Welsh father and an English mother. Her father was a professional singer, and her mother was a pianist. Nancy grew up in a musical family, and her parents encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Nancy began her musical training at an early age, studying piano and singing. She attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studied under the guidance of renowned vocal coaches such as Roy Henderson and Frederick Cox. She also received training from the famous conductor Sir Adrian Boult. Nancy made her professional debut in 1949, performing in the opera "The Rape of Lucretia" by Benjamin Britten. Her performance was well-received, and she soon became a sought-after performer in the opera world. She went on to perform in several other operas, including "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and "Carmen." In addition to her opera performances, Nancy was also known for her art song performances. She had a particular affinity for the works of Benjamin Britten and performed many of his songs throughout her career. She also performed the works of other composers such as Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms. One of Nancy's most significant achievements was her performance in the world premiere of Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw" in 1954. The opera was a critical and commercial success, and Nancy's performance was praised for its emotional depth and technical skill. Nancy's career continued to flourish throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She performed in several operas and concerts throughout Europe and the United States. She also made several recordings, including a highly acclaimed recording of Britten's "A Charm of Lullabies." In 1967, Nancy was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her services to music. The award was a testament to her talent and dedication to the art of classical music. Nancy's career slowed down in the 1970s, but she continued to perform and teach. She taught at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. She also served as a judge for several vocal competitions. Nancy passed away on 20th June 2000, at the age of 75. Her legacy lives on through her recordings and the many students she taught throughout her career. She was a true pioneer in the world of classical music and will always be remembered as one of the greats.

More....