Opéra

1976 · 100846 — <p>New York April 19 1976. 1976. Fine. - Over 60 words typed on 10-1/2 inch high by 7-1/4 inch wide "MET: Metropolitan Opera Association Lincoln Center" stationery. The executive director of the Metropolitan Opera Anthony Bliss replies to City Center's former producer and director Jean Dalrymple's suggestion that she could be helpful to City Center again in managing the four ballet companies associated with the MET "Regardless of what kind of arrangements we may make on behalf of the ballet companies we certainly will want to get the benefit of your ideas and experience." Signed "Tony". Folded for mailing else fine.</p><p>Together with the retained copy of Jean Dalrymple's letter of April 6 1976.</p><p>The executive director of the Metropolitan Opera Anthony A. Bliss 1913-1991 gave up his law practice in 1974 to take over what was then a financially troubled organization. He co-operated with music director & chief conductor James Levine and the director of production John Dexter in the early 1980's. Bliss was also co-chairman of the Joffrey Ballet. Though tall and distinctive looking his wife Sally described him as "the most unsophisticated man I ever met. I pick out his clothes." and elaborated by saying "He has no gourmet instincts: I could feed him a can of Alpo." With a sense of humor Bliss then started keeping a can of dog food on his desk. President Lyndon Johnson appointed Bliss to the original National Council on the Arts.</p><p>The recipient Jean Dalrymple 1902-1998 was the dynamic producer and director of theater and light-opera at Manhattan's City Center. Dalrymple began her career in Vaudeville appearing with James Cagney and Carey Grant in the early 1930s. She was a founding member of the American Theatre Wing the theatre service organization. She worked over the years as a personal manager for the likes of Leopold Stokowski Mary Martin Jos Iturbi Andre Kostalanetz Nathan Milstein and Lily Pons. She began her work at City Center with its founding in 1943 serving as a board member and publicist. Her productions there from the 1940s through the 1960s were a revitalizing influence on the whole New York theatre scene. In 1951 Jean Dalrymple married Major-General Philip deWitt Ginder commander of the Thunderbirds in Korea. She was a friend to Presidents and entertainment personalities throughout the world.</p> New York, April 19, 1976. hardcover