Toad Lane Concert: Margaret Ferguson soprano with Jonathan Ellis piano

Jonathan Ellis and Margaret Ferguson

Two rovers’ made a welcome return to Toad Lane Concerts on Wednesday 26 April.

Margaret Ferguson owns and lights up whatever space becomes her stage. She came to the UK on a scholarship from Ghana for higher study at the RNCM and later at the European Mozart Academy in Poland. Now based in the north west she also directs the Manchester Gospel Choir and teaches Ghanaian drumming, singing and dancing.

After starting to learn the piano at the age of three, Jonathan Ellis studied at Wells Cathedral School, and moved on to the joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University, graduating first-class from both institutions. There he gained higher diplomas and prizes as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician.

They make ideal partners, together amply filling the acoustic at St Mary in the Baum; Jonathan’s inspiring playing fully supporting Margaret’s expressive, commanding resonant voice, and charismatic personality. Regulars for several years, this was a welcome return.

They began in reflective sacred mood, including two songs by the rediscovered Afro-American woman composer, Florence Price.

Then followed extracts from a striking oratorio by Handel, and thrilling operas from Verdi, Tosti and Donizetti. So, to musical theatre with Something Wonderful, People (from Funny Girl), So in Love by Cole Porter and If I Ruled the World.

The finale was a charming English character piece, Devonshire Cream and Cider by William Sanderson, where the subject has clearly imbibed a little too liberally. Margaret made an hilarious interpretation of this, to the delight of the audience.

This was concert number 1,034 since taking over from the council in 2001. The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

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

Dr Joe Dawson