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Edward F. Brigham

Image of NEC alumnus, Edward F. Brigham

Edward F. Brigham, of Riverside, Rhode Island, received his Graduate Certificate in piano and voice from NEC in October 1889.

He went on to have a career as a singer and dramatic reader.

Image of NEC alumnus, Edward F. Brigham

Archival Collection

This collection consists of four scrapbooks and one folder.

Unknown

Access is arranged by making an appointment with the NEC Archivist. There are no restrictions pertaining to this collection.

Please contact the NEC Archivist for publication permissions. Citation should read: NECA 18.5. Edward F. Brigham Papers, New England Conservatory Archives, Boston, MA.

The Edward F. Brigham Papers which date from 1881- ca.1910 consist of one folder containing loose items (perhaps from one of the scrapbooks?) and four scrapbooks. Both include clippings, letters, documents, programs, flyers and memorabilia relating to Edward Brigham’s days as a student at NEC, and his subsequent career as a singer and dramatic reader.

Folder 1 – consists of clippings, letters, documents, programs, flyers and memorabilia. Of particular interest are a letter, circular, and an autographed photograph of Brigham’s teacher, Carl Faelten, then Director of NEC.

Scrapbook 1 – 1881-1886.  Inscribed by Edward Brigham. This scrapbook contains news articles and programs regarding Boston and Providence musical performances of the time. There are some NEC recital programs included.  One highlight is a program of a performance of Wagner’s Ring at Mechanics Hall.  The scrapbook also features clippings about music and important musical personalities of the day.

Scrapbook 2 – 1887-1895.   Features concert programs from NEC, Riverside Choral Society, and the Choral Society of the congregational church.  Several programs also include Miss Alice R. Brigham (possibly Edward’s sister?).  Brigham was teaching and conducting in Providence. Also contains materials pertaining to the Star course, Suffolk Musicale, Lotus Glee Club and the YMCA.

Scrapbook 3 – 1884-?   Subjects include: Adelina Patti, Joseph Hofmann, Sarah Bernhardt, Vladimir de Pachmann, Helen Hopekirk, Emma Juch, Eugen D’Albert, the BSO, Handel and Haydn Society, Hollis Theatre, Infantry Hall (Providence), Bumstead Hall, the Star Lecture Course, the Arion Club, the Boston Music Hall and the Boston Theatre (opera productions).

Scrapbook 4 –  1891-1893. Subjects include: Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Vladimir de Pachmann, Adelina Patti, the Henschels, Anton Seidl, Lilian Durell, Helena Modjeska, the Handel and Haydn Society, the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, the BSO, Infantry Hall’s Star Lecture Course, the Arion Club, Boston Theatre, Boston Music Hall, the Globe Theatre, Mechanics Building Auditorium and the Arion Opera company.