Fifty years ago, Kathleen Ferrier, the greatest lyric contralto Britain has ever produced, lost her battle with breast cancer Until now she has been a voice, but through these letters and diaries we get to see the person Her correspondents include composer Benjamin Britten, conductors John Barbirolli and Bruno Walter, her accompanist John Newmark, her agents John and Emmie Tillet, as well as friends, family and fans Her letters not only illuminate the musical life of Britain, Europe and America but also detailed the organisation involved in programming, touring, and performing in the very different arenas of concerts, recitals, opera, broadcasting and recording