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Despy Karlas papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Despy Karlas papers | |
| Creator: Ljungdahl, Despy Karlas | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1937-2010 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 10 Linear Feet (8 boxes and 79 items) | |
| Collection Number: UA14-077 | |
| Repository: University of Georgia Archives | |
Collection Description
Historical Note
Despy Karlas Ljungdahl was a pianist and music instructor at the University of Georgia's Hugh Hodgson School of Music. She began piano study at the age of eight and went on to earn degrees from The Juilliard School, Douglass College, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She spent her early career performing piano duos with Russian pianist Sergei Barsukoff. In 1946 Hugh Hodgson invited her to join the faculty of the University of Georgia's newly formed department of music where she taught for many decades. In 2003, she established the Despy Karlas Professorship fund to support students and faculty in the field of piano performance. She passed away in 2010 at age 90.
Scope and Content
The collection focuses largely on Despy Karlas's professional career, both as a performer and as a piano instructor at the University of Georgia. Professional files include correspondence, performance programs, notes, and sheet music. Many audio recordings of Karlas's performances can be found in the collection. Some materials related to her personal life, including photographs and slides of travels and family members are also included.
Organization and Arrangement
The collection consists of two series: 1. Papers and 2. Audio Recordings.
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Access
Though the collection is open for research, the audiovisual recordings do not have reference copies; however, reference copies can be made available upon request. Availability is dependent upon the format and condition of the recordings.
Preferred Citation
Despy Karlas papers, UA14-077, University of Georgia Archives, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding aid prepared on: 2015.
Related Materials and Subjects
Subject Terms
Related Collections in this Repository
Related collections in the Hargrett Library include the Lucille Kimble papers, UA14-066, and the Hugh Hodgson papers, UA0016.