Toad Lane Concert: Imogen Garner mezzo-soprano and John Gough piano

John Gough and Imogen Garner

Once again, the weekly Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum featured top class performers on Wednesday 15 March.

Mezzo-soprano Imogen Garner studied Economics at Sheffield University, then following a year’s teacher training changed career and studied at the RNCM.

Chester-based Imogen has covered several roles with English National Opera and the Buxton Festival. She has sung in live broadcasts on the BBC and performed with several opera companies and choral societies.

John Gough was born and bred in Chester. He enjoys a busy career combining solo playing, accompaniment and teaching at the RNCM. He has broadcast many times on BBC Radio 3 and has performed at the Wigmore Hall, London, and as soloist with the RLPO and Northern Chamber Orchestras.

Overseas, he has performed at the Carnegie Hall, New York, and on Danish Radio.

Imogen has a mellow mezzo sound with wonderful phrasing and expressive communication and John is a consummate pianist and accompanist, making a captivating duo.

Four songs by Edward Grieg, including a ravishing Ein Traum (A dream), led to the song cycle, Over the Rim of the Moon by Michael Head, which was beautifully crafted.

Four songs by Cecil Armstrong Gibbs including the amusing Five Eyes, were followed by two written by the neglected woman composer Joan Trimble.

A sophisticated and refined recital by two remarkable musicians ended with the delightfully irreverent character piece by Murray Grand, ‘What’s a lady like me doing in a joint like this?’

A joint like this? Well, really!

The charming irony brought the house down, demanding a return visit.

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

Dr Joe Dawson