Toad Lane Concert: Jennifer Rust soprano & Maria King piano

Maria King and Jennifer Rust

Patrons at the Toad Lane Concert on Wednesday 24 May had a double treat from two supremely talented performers, Jennifer Rust and Maria King.

Following studies at the University of Hull and the Royal Scottish Academy, soprano Jennifer Rust gained a masters with distinction from the RNCM. She has developed a wide repertoire of opera roles and concert work.

No stranger to St Mary’s, pianist Maria King studied in Paris after graduating from the RNCM (to which she returned as an accompanist for eight years). As well as a busy career as concert soloist and duo partner she is an experienced entertainer on the cruise ships.

Incidentally, Maria ran the Manchester half-marathon the previous weekend for The Lost Chord UK Trust, for which they both work extensively. They explained to the audience in their own inimitable style, the therapeutic value of music and singing with dementia patients.

Their energy and enthusiasm along with their consummate skill makes for an exhilarating experience whenever they are let loose on an audience.

Song settings by Parry, Quilter and Britten plus an exquisite aria by Mozart and some dramatic Puccini, confirmed their classical credentials.

This extended to songs from the shows with I could have danced all night, Can't help loving that man, Summertime, and a Sound of Music medley.

A well-deserved, stirring encore: You’ll never walk alone, from Carousel, invoked the adage, you’re never alone with a song in your heart.

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