Cross, Joan (1900–1993)

English soprano. She sang major roles with the Sadler's Wells Theatre, London, 1931–46, and premiered Ellen Orford there in 1945. Her other Britten premiers were the Female Chorus (1946), Lady Billows (1947), Elizabeth I (1953), and Mrs Grose (1954). She was a founder member of the English Opera Group, in 1945, and taught from 1955, especially at the National School of Opera.