Frances James (soprano)

(1903-1988)

Canadian opera singer

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Frances James (3 February 1903 – 22 August 1988) was a Canadian soprano who specialized in concert repertoire. She worked prolifically as a performer on CBC Radio and as a recitalist from the late 1920s through the 1950s; premiering works by numerous Canadian composers of note and championing works by contemporary international composers. Her performances were noted for their musical intelligence and sophistication. Her singing was admired by several important composers, including Benjamin Britten, Paul Hindemith, and Darius Milhaud. While her performances, both live and on radio/disc, were mainly from the concert repertoire, she did perform in some broadcasts of operas on the radio and in the 1931 world premiere of Healey Willan's ballad opera Prince Charlie and Flora. In 1984 she was awarded the Canadian Music Council Medal.