RIDOUT, GODFREY, 1918-1984
MUS 54

Godfrey and Freda Ridout fonds.  - 1927-1998.  - 1.68 m of textual records.  - 196 photographs.  - 2 negatives.  - 76 audio tape reels.  - 16 audio discs.  - 12 audio tape cassettes.  - 1 watercolour. 

Biographical sketches
Godfrey Ridout:  Born in Toronto, Ontario, Godfrey Ridout studied music with Charles Peaker, Ettore Mazzoleni, Weldon Kilburn and Healey Willan.  Professor at the Toronto Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto, he was also music director of the Eaton Operatic Society from 1949 to 1958.  He worked for a number of Canadian music publications, including Canadian Music and the Canadian Review of Music and Art.  The composer's major works include his Ballade for alto and strings, his dramatic symphony Esther, his Two Etudes for string orchestra, and his Cantiones Mysticae for soprano and orchestra. 

Freda Ridout (b Antrobus) (1920-2005):  Wife of Godfrey Ridout and soprano born in Coleman, Alberta, Freda Antrobus studied singing with the baritone George lambert at the Toronto Conservatory of Music, where, in 1942, she won a scholarship.  The artist performed primarily in Toronto and on CBC broadcasts.

Scope and content
The fonds consists of records pertaining to the musical activities of Godfrey and Freda Ridout:  biographical records; compositions and arrangements; scrapbooks consisting of letters from personalities such as Healey Willan and Leopold Stokowski, press clippings and concert programmes; programme notes by Godfrey Ridout; contracts; scripts; promotional material; photographs of Godfrey and Freda Ridout, members of their family and friends, and performances; sound recordings of Godfrey Ridout's works by various performers. 

Immediate source of acquisition:  acquired from Freda Ridout, widow of Godfrey Ridout, in several accessions between 1987 and 1999. 

Restrictions:  none. 

Finding aids:  provisional description.