The Old Search for Hats

Text by Stephanie Fleischmann. Used by permission of the author.

PROGRAM NOTE:

The Old Search for Hats is an aria from a not-yet-realized opera based on the life of Wallis Simpson, the twice-divorced American who liaised with, and ultimately married, Edward VIII. This aria follows Wallis on her wild, night-time car escape from England to France, while Edward confirmed his intention to give up the throne. Wallis would ultimately hear Edwardʼs abdication speech on the radio (along with the rest of the world); they didnʼt see one another until many months later, at which point they immediately wed.