Guide to the Pittsburgh Savoyards Records, 1939-1974 CTC.1974.01
Arrangement
Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Pittsburgh Savoyards Records
Creator
Pittsburgh Savoyards
Collection Number
CTC.1974.01
Extent
3 Linear Feet
Date
1939-1975
Abstract
The Pittsburgh Savoyards Records document a theatre company that began in 1938 and have continually performed Gilbert & Sullivan comic operas since that year. The materials in this collection include programs, photos, scrapbooks, clippings, and newsletters.
Language
English
.
Author
William Daw.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System Archives & Special Collections Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections Business Number: 412-648-3232 (Thomas) | 412-648-8190 (Hillman) Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Copyright
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
Gift of the Pittsburgh Savoyards in 1974.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in the following seven series:
Series I. Constitution
Series II. Correspondence
Series III. Programs
Series IV. Publicity and Newspaper Clippings
Series V. Photographs
Series VI. Scrapbooks and Ephemera
Series VII. Oversize Materials
Scope and Content Notes
The Pittsburgh Savoyards Records are incomplete, and for the most part, constitute memorabilia. Programs and photographs (1939-1974) are the most extensive for the 1940's and 1950's. Eight scrapbooks, containing chiefly newspaper clippings, some programs, issues of the company newsletter, and miscellany, cover between 1939-1951 and 1964-1980 in great detail; additional clippings cover between 1946-1962. A small amount of correspondence is chiefly personal. Other items of note include the organization's constitution (probable date of 1973), new releases, and five libretti. A few items from the Curtis Collection's Pittsburgh vertical files were integrated with the Savoyards Records.
Preferred Citation
Pittsburgh Savoyards Records, 1939-1975, CTC.1974.01, Curtis Theatre Collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
History
Established in 1938, the Pittsburgh Savoyards is the fourth oldest Gilbert and Sullivan Company in the United States. Its origins are described in a tenth anniversary program: "In the fall of 1938 the adult choirs of Calvary Episcopal Church and their friends began rehearsal of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Pirates of Penzance' as a choir camp benefit. Directors were George M. Rowland, Jr. and the late Dr. Harvey Gaul, then organist and choirmaster of Calvary Church. In May 1939 after a successful two-night run of 'The Pirates' company. The group's purpose was to produce Gilbert and Sullivan and other light operas on a non-profit basis for the enjoyment and education of the membership."
Since 1938-1939, the Pittsburgh Savoyards has presented several Gilbert and Sullivan operas each season, performing in various local theatres and auditoriums. Other works presented infrequently are The Devil and Daniel Webster, Die Fledermaus, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. The Savoyards have also sung occasionally at concerts and as an opera chorus.
Burt Mustin, a native Pittsburgher who was later to achieve fame as an actor in national television situation comedies, was active in the organization in the 1940's, singing such roles as the Judge in Trial by Jury, Poo-Bah in The Mikado, and Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore.
Previous Citation
Pittsburgh Savoyards Records, 1939-1975, CTC.1974.01, Curtis Theatre Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Savoyards Records, 1939-1975, CTC.08, Curtis Theatre Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Jean Blanco in 1974.
