Toad Lane Concerts: Freda Farnworth soprano and J Edward Rigg piano

Freda Farnworth and J Edward Rigg

Soprano Freda Farnworth, who performed at the Toad Lane Concert on Wednesday 26 October was born in Bolton and educated at Bolton School, Chetham’s in Manchester and the Guildhall in London. She has performed professionally in operas, musicals, pantomimes, summer seasons and concerts and has been a bastion of music-making in the Rochdale borough for many years, as soloist, teacher, conductor and producer.

She reminisced about performing at these lunchtime concerts from being a schoolchild and said, ‘It is so important to keep this live music opportunity alive in Rochdale both for performers and audiences.’

Her accompanist was another local music bastion, Wardle-born J Edward Rigg, a teacher with a diploma in French from the University of Paris and an LRAM in piano. He taught in Rochdale for 18 years prior to taking over the family business, whilst continuing his musicmaking. He is President of Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society and organiser of the Littleborough Coach House monthly lunchtime concerts.

Edward proved to be a fine accompanist for Freda and contributed the charming piano solo Automne by Cecile Chaminade. His young pupil come page turner, Ben, also played one of his forthcoming exam pieces.

It was good to hear Freda’s soprano tone ring out again in the fabulous acoustic of St Mary in the Baum. The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein announced the recital’s theme, the restorative powers of music as set by Purcell, Handel, Schubert and Elgar. More English songs by Peel, Quilter and Head followed, and a Gershwin set consisting of I Got Rhythm, Fascinating Rhythm and By Strauss. The Music’s always there with you, by John Rutter summed up the concert appropriately and exquisitely.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available now, but the venue is Covid-19 compliant. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson