The Archives of Ellen Ballon: A Guide
Collection Number: MS-5-2Collection processed and finding aid written by Katherine Loker, March 2003
Finding aid edited and electronic version prepared by Kathryn Harvey, March 2004
Collection Level Description
Title: Ellen Ballon fonds
Dates: 1844-1972
Extent: Approx. 90 cm of textual records. -- ca. 50 photographs
Ellen Ballon was born on October 6, 1898 in Montreal of Jewish Lithuanian immigrant parents. She started taking piano lessons at an early age, beginning her studies at the Conservatorium at McGill under Clara Lichtenstein, a former student of Liszt, in March 1904. She gave her first concert appearance at the age of five. In 1906 she moved to New York to study piano with Rafael Joseffy and harmony with Rubin Goldmark. She performed for Sir Wilfred and Lady Laurier in New York (1909) and made her New York debut in 1910.
In 1914, she moved to Switzerland to study with Josef Hofmann but, due to conditions of the war, returned to New York in 1916. She performed as a concert pianist throughout these years, and became a pupil of Wilhelm Backhaus in 1925. Ellen Ballon toured Europe in 1927, and upon her return to Canada, established a scholarship in music at McGill University. She toured Canada in 1928, and in 1934 returned to England to live. Her career suffered a fallback in 1938 when she broke her right ankle getting out of a taxicab. Two years later her leg had sufficiently healed to resume her concert performances, so she recommenced her career and moved to New York City.
In 1942, both of Ellen Ballon's parents died, and she began to actively participate in war efforts. In 1945, she commissioned a concerto from the Brazilian composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos. She performed the world, American and Canadian premiers of this work in 1945, 1946, and 1947, respectively. Ellen Ballon was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Music by McGill University in 1954. She married Colonel Theodore LaFleur Bullock of Quebec in 1958 and died in Montreal in 1969.
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This collection was obtained from Colonel Bullock, Ellen Ballon's widower. Ellen Ballon's niece and nephew, the Goldblooms aided in sorting through the collection before its accession in 1971.
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No further accruals are expected.
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This collection contains correspondence, musical scores (piano and orchestral), photographs, a sketch, harmony notebooks, fliers, programs, newspaper clippings, academic journals, a press book, and letters of composers. The musical scores include several first edition copies and/or autographed copies. Please note that all personal correspondence is incoming correspondence; no outgoing correspondence is included in this collection.
Academic Journals / 1944-1946
Correspondence / ca. 1844-1958
Musical Scores / 1861-1961
Newspaper Clippings / 1941-1965
Photographs / 1906-1953
Press Books / n.d.
Programs and Fliers / 1936-1972
Scholastic Records / ca. 1906-1960
The arrangement structure is based on the types of materials.
The musical scores may be accompanied by non-musical material such as performance guidelines or instructions. This series is composed of a collection of scores used by Ellen Ballon but not produced or composed by her. A possible singular exception to this is the Concerto by Heitor Villa-Lobos that she commissioned. In other words, she played a small role in its creation.
The scholastic records series also contains certificates from McGill regarding the Honorary Degree and scholarship fund.
For materials originally filed together but separated under this new arrangement structure, appropriate cross-references are made in the file-level descriptions in the finding aid.
Programs originally filed separately were kept as such; other programs originally filed together were kept together and labeled 'miscellaneous.'
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All files are open.
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[Identification of item], Ellen Ballon fonds, MS-5-2, Box [box number], Folder [folder number], Dalhousie University Archives and Special Collections, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Combined Series and File Level Descriptions
Dates: 1944-1946
Extent: 2 folders of textual records
Scope and Content:
This series contains academic journals collected by Ellen Ballon that contain articles written about her.
File Level Descriptions
Folder - 4.18
Canadian Review of Music and Art
- vol. 2, nos. 9 and 10
1944
Includes an article by John Bauer entitled "Ellen Ballon - Canada's Outstanding (Woman) Pianist."
Folder - 4.19
Quarter Notes
- vol. 9, no. 3
1946
Includes a biography of Ellen Ballon.
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Dates: ca. 1844-1958
Extent: 22 folders of textual records
Scope and Content:
This series contains incoming correspondence sent to Ellen Ballon as well as ephemeral correspondence of composers that was collected by Ellen Ballon.
Arrangement:
The series is arranged alphabetically
File Level Descriptions
Folder - 1.21
Alice Mary, Princess of Albany
1954-1955
Concerns Ellen Ballon's performance of music by Villa-Lobos and the receipt of flowers.
Folder - 1.20
Bachaus, Wilhelm, pianist
1926
Concerns Wilhelm Bachaus' recitals, and Ellen Ballon's future performances.
Folder - 1.19
Ballon, Isidore
n.d.
Written in French. Concerns sending money to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 1.18
Bassett, Major John White Hughes, from the Montreal Gazette
1953
Citing a poem by Robert Burns.
Folder - 1.27
Composers, various
ca. 1844-ca. 1921
Includes items from Pietro Mascagni (n.d.), Ignaz Moscheles (1844), Jacques Offenbach (1879), Gustav Mahler (1899), Edvard Grieg (1902), Maurice avel (1921), and Ignacy Paderewski (n.d.). Written in German, French, and English.
Folder - 1.17
Duke-Elder, Sir William Stewart, author
1955
Notes regarding lunches.
Folder - 1.16
Ferber, Edna, author
1947
Concerns a birthday telegram sent to Edna Ferber.
Folder - 1.22
Gounod, Charles Francois, composer
1847-185?
Written in French.
Folder - 1.13
Hofmann, Josef Casimir, instructor
1953
Josef Hofmann was Ellen Ballon's teacher from 1914-1916 in Switzerland. This letter was originally accompanied by a photograph (see Box 1, Folder 14).
Folder - 1.15
James, Frank Cyril, Principal and Vice Chancellor of McGill University
1952-1954
Concerning Ellen Ballon's performances and the conferral of an honorary degree by McGill to her.
Folder - 1.12
Laurier, Sir Wilfred, Canadian Prime Minister
1910-1916
Concerns the progress of Ellen Ballon's musical education and various performances of hers.
Folder - 1.11
Lehmann, Lotte, musician
1958
A thank-you note for flowers received.
Folder - 1.23
Liszt, Franz, composer
1842
Written in French. Accompanied by a typed transcription.
Folder - 1.24
Massenet, Jules Emile Frederic, composer
1898
Written in French.
Folder - 1.25
Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix, composer
1840
Written in German. Accompanied by one transcription and one translation of other original letters not in the collection.
Folder - 1.9
Menuhin, Yehudi, violinist
1957
Concerning a performance by Ellen Ballon in Montreal.
Folder - 4.13
Miscellaneous
n.d.
This file includes a personal calling card and an illustrated card sent by an unknown person. These materials were originally filed with newspaper clippings (Box 3, Folder 18) and the Jamaican National Anthem (Box 3, Folder 19).
Folder - 1.8
Roosevelt, Anna Eleanor, American First Lady
1944
A decline of an invitation by Ellen Ballon to attend an event.
Folder - 1.7
Scriver, Walter de Mouilpied, physician
1952
Concerning a performance Ellen Ballon gave at an honorary dinner.
Folder - 1.10
Somerset Maugham, William, author
1944-1954
Concerning gifts, performances, visits, friends, and books.
Folder - 1.26
Saint-Saens, Camille, composer
1901-1905
Written in French.
Folder - 1.6
Villa-Lobos, Heitor, composer
1946-1947
Concerning her performance of his music and his compositions.
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Dates: 1861-1961
Extent: 73 folders of textual records
Scope and Content:
This series contains musical scores collected and presumably used by Ellen Ballon. Many scores are first editions of popular works by Mozart and Chopin, among others. Many other scores are signed by the composers who wrote them. Some scores are original unpublished editions. The scores are either for piano or orchestra.
Arrangement:
Scores are listed alphabetically by title.
File Level Descriptions
Folder - 7.11
[Second] impromptu pour le piano, op. 36 / Fred. Chopin. - 1st ed.
c1840
Published by Breitkopf and Hartel.
Folder - 2.4
[Third] concerto de piano e orquestra / H. Villa-Lobos
1952-1956
Reducao para dois pianos.
Folder - 5.7
[Third] scherzo pour le piano, op.39 / par Fred. Chopin .- 1st ed. -
c1840
Published by Breitkopf and Hartel.
Folder - 6.12
Achtamar / Alan Hovhaness
c1948
Inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Alan Hovhaness.
Folder - 6.13
Assorted music by Alfred La Liberté
n.d.
This is an original score.
Folder - 2.2
Bachianas Brasileiras no. 3 para piano e orquestra / Heitor Villa-Lobos
1938
Also includes a memo as well as performance information and instructions.
Folder - 3.16
Bachianas Brasileiras no. 3: Conductor's score / Villa-Lobos
1938
Folder - 7.14
Bachianas Brasilieras no. 3 / H. Villa-Lobos
1938
Includes descriptive notes.
Folder - 6.8
Caprice de concert pour piano, op. 4 / Arnold Volpe
c1899
Inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Arnold Volpe.
Folder - 2.3
Concerto for piano and orchestra [performance guidelines] / Heitor Villa-Lobos
ca. 1945
Includes notes regarding expression, timing, and corrections to the score. This was Villa-Lobos' first concerto, and it was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 2.5
Concerto no. 1 para piano e orquestra a Ellen Ballon / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
Parte de piano.
Folder - 3.37
Concerto no. 2, piano e orquestra / H. Villa-Lobos
1948
Folder - 6.2
Concerto no. 5 for piano, opus 82 / Wolfgang Mozart .- 1st ed.
1861
Autographed by Clara Schumann in 1861; she was the original owner of the score. The score was copyrighted in 1800. Includes descriptive cards, one signed by Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 6.1
Concerto para piano e orquestra a Miss Ellen Ballon / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
Oversized bound version of this score.
Folder - 3.5
Concerto para piano e orquestra: [First and second saxophones] / H. Villa Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.3
Concerto para piano e orquestra: [First and second] clarinetes / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 2.15
Concerto para piano e orquestra: [First and second] flautas / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.7
Concerto para piano e orquestra: [First and second] horns / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.1
Concerto para piano e orquestra: [First and second] oboes / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 2.9
Concerto para piano e orquestra: [First] Violionos / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 2.14
Concerto para piano e orquestra: [Second] violinos / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.8
Concerto para piano e orquestra: [Third and fourth] horns / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 2.7
Concerto para piano e orquestra: C. Baiso / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 2.6
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Cellos / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.4
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Clarinete baixo / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.6
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Contra [saxophones] / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.14
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Drums / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.2
Concerto para piano e orquestra: English horn / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.12
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Harpa / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 2.16
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Piccolo / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.9
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Pistao / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon. Includes the scores for all four of the parts for this instrument.
Folder - 3.13
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Timpanios / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.15
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Trianguolo / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.10
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Trombone / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon. Includes the scores for all four of the parts for this instrument.
Folder - 3.11
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Tuba / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 2.8
Concerto para piano e orquestra: Violas / H. Villa-Lobos
1945
This concerto was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 7.1
Czardas no. 2 and Wiegenlied / Rafeel Joseffy
1909
Inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Rafael Joseffy.
Folder - 6.9
Deux contes pour piano, op. 14 / N. Medtner
1932
Inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Alfred La Liberté.
Folder - 6.7
Etude de concert, op. 1 no. 1 / by Paul de Schlozer, edited and revised by Rafael Joseffy
c1910
Autographed by Rafael Joseffy.
Folder - 4.3
First piano concerto dedicated to Ellen Ballon / by Heitor Villa-Lobos
1945
This is the complete orchestral score. It has been annotated. Refer to (Box 4, Folder 2) to look at a different copy of this.
Folder - 4.2
First piano concerto dedicated to Ellen Ballon / by Heitor Villa-Lobos
1945
This is the complete orchestral score. It has been annotated. Refer to (Box 4, Folder 3) to look at a different copy of this.
Folder - 7.8
Impromptu, op. 29 / F. Chopin .- 1st ed.
c1837
Published by Schlesinger.
Folder - 6.6
In the forest, op. 12 / Rubin Goldmark
1909
Includes three different copies all differently inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Rubin Goldmark. The scores were copyrighted in 1908.
Folder - 6.11
Konzert etude, op. 22 no. 1 / Alberto Jonas
n.d.
Original score inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Alberto Jonas.
Folder - 7.5
La paimpolaise / Botrel
1908
An original score autographed with notes in French.
Folder - 2.17
L'osiseau de feu [arranged for piano] / Igor Stravinsky .- 1st ed.
c1910
Text in French and Russian. Includes a card signed by Ellen Ballon. Published by Jurgenson.
Folder - 6.10
Marche funebre, op. 35 / Fred. Chopin .- 1st ed.
c1847
Published by Troupenas.
Folder - 5.5
Mozart as an eight year old composer / Dr. Georg Schunermann
1909
Inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Franz Darvas.
Folder - 3.34
New music for the piano / selected by Joseph Prostakoff
c1963
Inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Joseph Prostakoff.
Folder - 5.4
Notenbuchen fur Anna Magdalene Bach / Johann Sebastian Bach
1910
Includes a preface in German written by Dr. Richard Batka. Inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Clara Lichtenstein, her teacher at McGill Conservatorium of Music.
Folder - 2.12
Novellette (etude in seconds) .- op. 22, no. 1 / Alberto Jonas
n.d.
This piece was dedicated to Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.36
Passacaglia / Marvin Duchow
1961
Accompanied by a note to Ellen Ballon by [Guanni?].
Folder - 2.11
Piano Suite / Alexander Brott
n.d.
Folder - 7.12
Polonaises, op. 71 / Fr. Chopin .- 1st ed.
c1855
Published by Schlesinger. Includes the scores for all three polonaises.
Folder - 3.33
Quill dance / by Eugen Putnam
c1931
Autographed by Eugen Putnam.
Folder - 2.13
Ronde pour orchestre / A. Liadow
1916
Accompanied by a description of the score. This was previously from the collection of Serge Diaghilef.
Folder - 3.30
Serenade from "Don Juan" / arranged for piano by Wilhelm Backhaus
1927
This score was copyrighted in 1924 and is autographed by Wilhelm Backhaus.
Folder - 4.1
Sonata for piano / David Williams
1956-1959
This is an unsolicited score. Includes correspondence from the Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Music.
Folder - 7.10
Sonate pour le piano, op. 58 / Fred. Chopin .- 1st ed.
c1845
Published by Breitkopf and Hartel.
Folder - 3.35
Song hits of the 30s
ca. 1960
Folder - 2.1
Sunshower / Bernard Rothman
n.d.
Dedicated to Miss Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 3.19
The Jamaican national anthem
n.d.
This item was originally filed with newspaper clippings (Box 3, Folder 18) and miscellaneous personal correspondence (Box 4, Folder 13).
Folder - 3.29
The star spangled banner / piano version by Josef Hofmann
1953
The copyright date of the score is 1918. This copy of the score was inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Josef Hofmann in 1953.
Folder - 7.7
The willows are new / Chou Wen-Chung
1960
The score was copyrighted in 1957. It is accompanied by correspondence from C.F. Peters, Music Publishers.
Folder - 7.9
Trois mazourkas, op. 63 / Fred. Chopin .- 1st ed.
c1847
Published by Breitkopf and Hartel.
Folder - 6.4
Two compositions for the pianoforte / Sydney C. Dalton
c1906
Inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Sydney C. Dalton.
Folder - 2.10
Two Piano Pieces (1948) / by George Barati
1948
Folder - 3.31
Two piano pieces / edited by E. Bartlett and R. Robertson
1941
The copyright date is 1935. It is inscribed to Ellen Ballon by "Ralph."
Folder - 3.32
Two songs / with music by Kathleen Heron-Maxwell
1935
Includes 1) Dear Old London (1926) and 2) Keep on Hopin' (c1915). Both scores are inscribed by Kathleen Heron-Maxwell.
Folder - 5.6
Unlabeled music in Portuguese most likely by H. Villa-Lobos
n.d.
Only includes the second movement and the cadenza portions of the work. This is the orchestral score version.
Folder - 6.5
Variationen uber ein Kinderlied, op. 25 / Ernst von Dohnanji
1953
The score was copyrighted in 1922. It is inscribed to Ellen Ballon by Ernst von Dohnanji. It is also signed by Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 7.13
Various albums, guia pratica by H. Villa-Lobos
c1932
Includes the second, third, fourth, fifth and tenth albums.
Folder - 3.28
Various scores by E.R. Warren
1946
Includes corresondence from E.R. Warren. The scores are: 1) Sea Rhapsody for Piano (c1946); 2) The Fountain (c1934); and 3) Dark Hills.
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Dates: 1941-1965
Extent: 10 folders of textual records
Scope and Content:
This series contains newspaper clippings about Ellen Ballon - her life in general, her concerts, and her hobbies.
Arrangement:
Clippings are filed chronologically.
File Level Descriptions
Folder - 3.27
Newspaper clippings concerning concerts and other topics
1941-1946
Other topics include her lifestyle, the death of her mother, and her contributions during the Second World War.
Folder - 3.18
Newspaper clippings concerning concerts and Ellen Ballon's recovery from her injury
1942
This file also includes a sheet of caricatures drawn by Wilhelm Busch. These materials were originally filed with the musical score for the Jamaican National Anthem (Box 3, Folder 19) and miscellaneous personal correspondence (Box 4, Folder 13).
Folder - 3.26
Newspaper clippings concerning the Prom concert
1948
Folder - 4.15
Newspaper clippings concerning contemporary music
1950
Folder - 3.25
Newspaper clippings concerning radio schedules and other topics
1951
One of the items is in French. Other topics include available recordings, Ellen Ballon's agent Andrew Schulhof, and music in Montreal.
Folder - 3.24
Newspaper clippings concerning a visit by Villa-Lobos, radio schedules, and concerts
1952
These materials were originally filed with the programs located in (Box 4, Folder 14).
Folder - 3.23
Newspaper clippings concerning advertisements, media schedules, and recitals
1953
Folder - 3.22
Newspaper clippings concerning radio schedules and recitals
1954
This file also includes clippings about Ellen Ballon's collection of miniatures.
Folder - 3.21
Newspaper clippings concerning radio schedules and advertisements
1955-1958
This file also includes a clipping about Ellen Ballon's agent, Andrew Schulhof.
Folder - 3.20
Newspaper clippings concerning Epstein's bust of Ellen Ballon
1965
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Dates: 1906-1953
Extent: 23 folders of photographs including one sketch and one album
Scope and Content:
This series contains photographs and a solitary sketch featuring Ellen Ballon and many notable people in her life. Included are photographs of prominent composers as well as teachers and friends of hers. Many are inscribed to Ellen Ballon by the person pictured.
Arrangement:
The series is filed chronologically.
File Level Descriptions
Folder - 5.8
Album - Ellen Ballon
n.d.
These photographs are mainly portraits of Ellen Ballon but also include photographs featuring Ellen Ballon: playing the piano, participating in World War II support activities, at ceremonies, at concerts, at receptions, etc. Most, if not all, of the photographs are undated but seem to span the entirety of her adult life.
Folder - 5.10
Ballon, Ellen - with other unidentified people
n.d.
The people are congregated at someone's home and there is a piano in the background. "Helmot Blusse" is inscribed on the reverse of the photograph - perhaps the name of the photographer.
Folder - 5.23
Ellen Ballon with a piano - photo by Yousuf Karsh
n.d.
Folder - 5.12
Lauier, Prime Minster Wilfred - autographed
n.d.
Folder - 5.9
Medals awarded to Ellen Ballon
n.d.
One photograph features a medal presented by President and Mrs. Taft (1912) and the other photograph features a medal marked "E Plurieus unum."
Folder - 7.2
Albani, F. - autographed
1906
Folder - 5.14
Harris, Charles - autographed
1906
Folder - 7.6
Pugno, Raoul - autographed
1906
Folder - 5.13
Rafael Joseffy - autographed
1906
Folder - 5.11
Richardson, Ada L. - autographed
1906
Ada L. Richardson was a teacher of Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 6.3
Rubenstein, Arthur - in New York
1906
Signed with an inscription in German by Arthur Rubenstein.
Folder - 5.16
Dalton, Sydney - autographed
1907
Folder - 5.15
Hofmann, Josef - autographed
1915
Folder - 7.4
Jonas, Albert - autographed
1920
Folder - 7.3
Dundas, Muriel - autographed
1925
Folder - 5.19
Ballon, Ellen - various poses, mostly publicity shots
1927
Folder - 5.20
Sketch of Ellen Ballon by Kathleen Shackleton
1927
Folder - 5.18
Ballon, Ellen - sitting at an ornate piano in London, England
1930
Folder - 3.38
Cazale, Captain Victor - autographed
1936
Folder - 5.22
Ellen Ballon performing the world premier of Heitor Villa-Lobos's Concerto No. 1 in Rio de Janeiro with Villa-Lobos conducting
1946
Folder - 5.21
Ellen Ballon and Heitor Villa-Lobos in New York
1948
Photograph contains word balloons, probably written by Villa-Lobos; signed by Villa-Lobos
Folder - 5.24
Ellen Ballon in performance with Ernest Ansermet and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
1949
This photograph might have been taken around the time she recorded the Villa-Lobos Concerto No. 1 with Ansermet and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in 1949.
Folder - 1.14
Hofmann, Josef - instructor, with Anton H., pupil in 1930
1953
Originally accompanied by a letter (see Box 1, Folder 13). Copyright by Hilbert Petersen.
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Dates: n.d.
Extent: 1 press book
Scope and Content:
This item contains various biographical sketches intended for press releases as well as a solitary newspaper clipping.
File Level Descriptions
Folder - 3.17
Ellen Ballon Press Book / Andrew Schulhof, Personal Representative -
n.d.
This item includes various biographical compositions for various types of press releases. Also includes a newspaper clipping regarding the size of Ellen Ballon's hands.
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Dates: 1936-1972
Extent: 15 folders of textual records
Scope and Content:
This series contains programs and fliers about various concerts performed by Ellen Ballon. It also includes an exhibition program of some of the Ellen Ballon materials available at Dalhousie University’s Archives as well as a short biography penned by a Dalhousie staff person.
Arrangement:
The series is filed chronologically.
File Level Descriptions
Folder - 4.9
La societe des concert symphoniques de Montreal, Heitor Villa-Lobos
1947
This is an annotated flyer. Ellen Ballon is mentioned in the biographical note on Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Folder - 4.12
International celebrity concert fliers and programs
1936
Folder - 4.21
Saturday evening popular concert series fliers
194?
Folder - 4.11
Gala concert forum Montreal / Musicians Guild
1940
This file also includes Ellen Ballon Town Hall recital programs.
Folder - 5.1
United States Military Academy Band concert program
1941
Folder - 5.2
The Montreal Women's Symphony Orchestra concert fliers
1941-1942
Folder - 4.20
The Montreal Women's Symphony Orchestra Plateau Auditorium concert programs
1942
Folder - 5.3
Miscellaneous programs and fliers
1942-1944
Includes 1) Harvard Club of New York City Concert program; 2) Orchestral Hall (Chicago) Piano Recital program; 3) Ellen Ballon promotional flyer; 4) The Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra Concert program; and 5) The Town Hall program (Ellen Ballon is featured on the front cover).
Folder - 4.10
Ellen Ballon town hall recital programs
1945
This file also includes an advertisement card.
Folder - 4.17
McGill University Student Subscription Concerts program
1946
Folder - 4.16
Les Concerts Symphoniques de Montreal and London programs
1950
Folder - 4.14
Orquestra Filarmonica de la Habana and National Symphony Orchestra programs
1951-1952
Some programs are in Portuguese. These materials were originally filed with newspaper clippings (Box 3, Folder 24).
Folder - 4.8
Villa-Lobos Exhibition program
1964
This item includes lists of exhibited items donated by Ellen Ballon.
Folder - 4.7
McGill and its music - centennial concert program
1967
Ellen Ballon is cited in the introduction as one of McGill's notable graduates.
Folder - 4.4
A selection of items from the Ellen Ballon music collection at Dalhousie University Library
1972
An exhibition program that includes a biography of Ellen Ballon, press tributes, lists of musical scores, correspondence, photographs, and autographed books. Also includes a short biography of Ellen Ballon written in 1972 by Grace Tratt, former Head of Special Collections at Dalhousie University.
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Dates: ca. 1906-1960
Extent: 7 folders of textual records
Scope and Content:
This series contains both the harmony workbooks created by Ellen Ballon during her early schooling as well as certificate letters issued from McGill University regarding the scholarship program she instigated and her honorary Doctorate.
Arrangement:
The series is arranged chronologically.
File Level Descriptions
Folder - 1.1-5
Harmony workbooks
ca. 1906-ca. 1913
The date is derived from a biography of Ellen Ballon that states that she studied harmony with Rubin Goldmark between 1906 and 1913 in New York. One book is specifically dated 1911; another has lists of music pieces inserted.
Folder - 4.5
Correspondence/Certificate from the Dean of the Faculty of Music, McGill University
1954
Regards the honorary degree awarded to Ellen Ballon
Folder - 4.6
Correspondence/Certificate from the Secretary of the Board of Governors, McGill University
1960
Regards the proceeds from the Martlet Concert and Ball as well as Ellen Ballon's general support of the McGill music program.
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