Toad Lane Concerts: Margaret Ferguson soprano with Jonathan Ellis piano

Jonathan Ellis and Margaret Ferguson

Margaret Ferguson and Jonathan Ellis are outstanding performers and regular visitors to Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum, where they are always welcome.

At their most recent performance on Wednesday 15 May, their opening two arias from La Clemenza di Tito by Mozart were object lessons in singing Mozart.

Margaret has a superb range, able to deal with the subterranean depths of the contralto range up to poised soprano heights necessary for the performance of these works. Few mezzo sopranos can achieve this. Furthermore, she has an engaging personality and stage presence that captivates an audience, a deep understanding of character and always secure musicianship. Her control of vocal line is remarkable. Supported by award-winning accompanist Jonathan, they make a formidable musical partnership.

Extending her large repertoire with rarely heard French songs, Les bontes du Seigneur by Sylla, and Le Reve de Jesus by Viardot, was an immense success. Je te veux (I want you) by Erik Satie was a particular delight, her French diction adding considerably to the catchy well-known waltz tune.

Margaret can also embrace popular works such as Un giorno per noi/ Addio del passato by Rota/Verdi. She is not averse to pinching hits by others and making them her own, such as Josh Groban’s Gira con me, Dreamers from Jean by Marvin Hamlisch, and a rousing The Glory of Love by B Hill. All topped off with a boisterous finale of Devonshire cream and cider by Curzon and Sanderson.

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