ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE - A tribute to opera star Margaret Curphey - in music and her own words!

Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials

She was as Manx as the hills, and when she died in Spring 2024, tributes poured in for Margaret Curphey, placing her firmly among the leading opera stars of her generation.

Returning to the Island in 1980 with husband Philip Summerscales and daughter Helen, she soon established herself as an inspirational teacher.

On 1st November 2024 a tribute concert to celebrate the professional opera career of Margaret Curphey, was held in St Andrew's United Reformed Church in Douglas. Music was by Glenfaba Choral conducted by Margaret's sister, Muriel Corkish with solo performances from Kristene Sutcliffe, Simon Fletcher, Neil Taverner, and members of the Kilgallon family. The compere was Glenfaba Choral member Alan Gelling. The choir was accompanied by Jean James and the soloists by Graham Kirkland.

Helen Summerscales talks about her Mother's rise to fame in the opera world and this has been mixed with Margaret's own voice, talking about those early years, in conversation with Geraldine Jamieson in a recording made in 1980.

Note - this archive material has only very recently been found and was not part of the tribute concert in November.

This podcast is only EDITED HIGHLIGHTS of the concert.

THE CONCERT IN FULL is available as a two-part podcast - it's in Manx Radio's Island Life Series - Specials - search for ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE - THE TRIBUTE CONCERT IN FULL, PART ONE and PART TWO