Toad Lane Concert: Louise Taylor soprano and Jonathan Ellis piano

Jonathan Ellis and Louise Taylor

Popular local soprano Louise Taylor began solo singing at the age of 24, going on to perform over 30 lead roles in light opera and musicals as well as singing oratorio and fronting a dance band. All this while enjoying a 40-year career in journalism, most recently as editor of Cheshire Life for 11 years until 2020.

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 Royal northern College of Music and Manchester University, where he graduated first-class from both institutions and gained higher diplomas and prizes as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician.

These two experienced performers worked well together in an enjoyable and varied recital on Wednesday 14 June beginning with Classical songs and arias by Gluck, Giordani, Paisiello and JS Bach, including the immortal Bach/Gounod Ave Maria.

At half time, Jonathan played exquisite piano solos, Arabesque by Debussy and The Maiden and the Nightingale by Granados.

In the second half we moved to the opera theatre with 2 numbers from Gilbert and Sullivan, then Zeller’s Don't be cross and Puccini’s Musetta's Waltz Song. This characterful excursion culminated in a resounding Prima Donna declaration: Herbert’s Art is Calling for Me.

An amusing pot pourri of musical delights delivered with panache by two skilled artistes.

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