ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE - A tribute to opera star Margaret Curphey -  in music and her own words!

ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE - A tribute to opera star Margaret Curphey - in music and her own words!

Author: Manx Radio December 29, 2024 Duration: 59:38

She was as Manx as the hills, and when she died in Spring 2024, tributes poured in for Margaret Curphey, placing her firmly among the leading opera stars of her generation.

Returning to the Island in 1980 with husband Philip Summerscales and daughter Helen, she soon established herself as an inspirational teacher.

On 1st November 2024 a tribute concert to celebrate the professional opera career of Margaret Curphey, was held in St Andrew's United Reformed Church in Douglas. Music was by Glenfaba Choral conducted by Margaret's sister, Muriel Corkish with solo performances from Kristene Sutcliffe, Simon Fletcher, Neil Taverner, and members of the Kilgallon family. The compere was Glenfaba Choral member Alan Gelling. The choir was accompanied by Jean James and the soloists by Graham Kirkland.

Helen Summerscales talks about her Mother's rise to fame in the opera world and this has been mixed with Margaret's own voice, talking about those early years, in conversation with Geraldine Jamieson in a recording made in 1980.

Note - this archive material has only very recently been found and was not part of the tribute concert in November.

This podcast is only EDITED HIGHLIGHTS of the concert.

THE CONCERT IN FULL is available as a two-part podcast - it's in Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials - search for ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE - THE TRIBUTE CONCERT IN FULL, PART ONE and PART TWO


Tucked away in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man holds a unique culture and community spirit that’s both deeply traditional and dynamically modern. Manx Radio's Island Life Series-Specials delves into the stories that define this place, moving beyond the postcard views to explore the real rhythms and conversations of island living. Produced by Manx Radio, each episode in this collection is a standalone deep dive, focusing on a particular person, tradition, or contemporary issue with the care and context it deserves. You might hear from a native Manx speaker reviving the Celtic language, a fisherman discussing changing seas, or an archivist uncovering a forgotten chapter of local history. This podcast serves as an audio documentary series, capturing the nuances of Manx society-from folklore and music to governance and environmental challenges. It’s for anyone curious about how geography shapes identity, offering listeners an intimate, thoughtful portrait of a small nation navigating its path. The conversations are rich, the subjects are varied, and the perspective is authentically local, providing a genuine connection to this distinctive island and its people.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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