John Shirley-Quirk

John Stanton Shirley-Quirk (August 28, 1931 – April 7, 2014), English bass-baritone. He was a member of the English Opera Group from 1964–76, and was prominent in performing and recording the operatic and vocal works of Benjamin Britten. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Shirley-Quirk and additionally signed, titled and dated by Krishizki: "Georges / 1982 / John Shirley-Quirk singing in "Pulcinella" (G. B. Pergolesi) by Igor Stravinsky."

In Shirley-Quirk's wide concert repertory, he was particularly noted as a fine interpreter of Friar Lawrence in Berlioz's 'Roméo et Juliette,' and in the solos in Bach's 'Passions,' Handel's 'Oratorios,' Haydn's 'The Creation and The Seasons,' Brahms's 'German Requiem,' Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius' (which he recorded with Britten conducting) and Tippett's 'The Vision of St Augustine' (which he recorded under the composer's baton in 1971). In 1977 Shirley-Quirk created the role of Lev in Tippett's 'The Ice Break at Covent Garden.' He also distinguished himself as an intelligent and sympathetic interpreter of lieder, mélodies and English song.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.