Winifred Radford
(1901-1993), Singer and teacher of singingSitter in 28 portraits
Radford entered the Royal Academy of music aged fourteen. Her first appearance in opera was at the inaugural Glyndebourne Festival (1934). Subsequently she gave recitals for the BBC and toured with the Intimate Opera Company. During the Second World War she gave recitals of Lieder and French song at the National Gallery's lunchtime concerts. After the War she studied with Pierre Bernac and became a specialist in French mélodie, giving the British premieres of some of Francis Poulenc's songs. She taught singing at the Guildhall School of Music (1955-71) and, after retiring, taught privately. Her friend Sidney Buckland praised 'her quiet resolve, determination and integrity beneath a gracious, radiant charm'.
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