The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Opera singer Marjorie Lawrence contracted poliomyelitis in 1941 and was almost crippled in both legs, but continued to perform using a wheel chair placed on stage. During World War II she entertained the troops and was awarded the cross of the Legion d’ Honneur (1946) by the French government. On 31 December 1976 Marjorie Lawrence was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to the performing arts.

Events

• 1945

  Entertained troops in Europe

• 2041

  Married Dr Thomas King, New York

• 1960

  Professor of Voice and Opera Workshop, Southern Illinois University

• 1971

  Opera Theatre Southern Illinois University named for Marjorie Lawrence

• 1942

  First public appearance as Venus in Tannhauser at the Metropolitan

• 1944

  Entertained troops in Australia and South West Pacific (50,000 miles wheel concert tour)

• 1928

  Winner of the Sun Aria Competition

• 1932

  Debut with Monte Carlo Opera Company as Elisabeth in Tannhauser

• 1932

  Performed with the Paris Grand Opera Company as Ortrud in Lohengrin

• 1935

  Performed with the Metropolitan Opera Company New York as Brunnhilde

• 1939

  Completed a concert tour of Australia, performing at Winchelsea, Victoria first

• 1941

  Contracted poliomyelitis while in Mexico