A Celebration of Kathleen Ferrier - her life, music & letters
           

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

I was inspired to write the script and programme after seeing a show devised by Prunella Scales about the life and letters of Queen Victoria. The performance was such a fitting tribute to a figure Prunella obviously respected and was intrigued by, and it moved me very much. Finally, in 2007 an opportunity arose to create something when the Fisher Theatre in Suffolk asked me to return to the venue following a recital and gave me free reign as to the evening's musical content. I spent the summer compiling all my research to date and trying to make something cohesive.

What made me apprehensive about attempting this was that to capture that voice and that personality in one is simply impossible - recordings and living memory thankfully exist to do that job. And the idea of some kind of 'tribute act' seemed complete anathema to me! Moreover, music performance styles have changed dramatically since her day, particularly with the advent of the Early Music revolution and developments within music history.

So, I have put together a programme celebrating her life through her letters, diaries and the personal accounts of those who knew her well, and by performing some of the music that was associated with her, as my personal tribute. The Kathleen Ferrier Society have also given me access to their archive photo collection, some of which will accompany the evening's performance.

2012 marks the centenary of Ferrier's birth and I'm proud that the Kathleen Ferrier Society have endorsed my programme to represent them during the Anniversary year. Developments are still afoot and I'm excited that the distinguished broadcaster, singer and fellow Ferrier fan, Brian Kay, will join me as co-narrator for selected events next year.

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WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:

 “ Diana is tall, with a vivacious personality and fine platform presence, so one felt that something of the Ferrier spirit was present, too. Between the sung excerpts, she and her accompanist related the story of Kath’s life and career with many familiar (to us!) anecdotes and amusing tales, interspersed with some delightful off-the-cuff comments. During the performance photographs were projected in sequence on to a large screen hung above the stage; thus we saw both studio portraits and informal shots of ‘our Kath’ to add to the immediacy of the programme – it worked very well indeed.

If you do get the opportunity I urge you to see it. It tells a well-known story, but is done with great sincerity, humour and love; unmissable!”
Paul Campion, Author of 'Ferrier - A Career Recorded'

SOME AUDIENCE COMMENTS:

"As Kathleen Ferrier was my father’s favourite female singer, I grew up with recordings of her, but until I attended your tribute concert I hadn’t really paid much attention to her. I found your concert to be one of the most moving musical events I have ever attended. It was a great privilege to have you appearing in such an intimate venue and I would like to congratulate you on performance that was wonderful in every way."

"Have just got home from your Kathleen Ferrier programme at the Forge and wanted to say how much we enjoyed it. Wonderful programme, beautifully performed, and so nice to see a different approach to a song recital. We hope you are going to be performing this in other places as it would be a shame not to give others the opportunity to see and hear this lovely programme."

"Absolutely brilliant evening! Thoroughly enjoyed it."

"We enjoyed the Kathleen Ferrier recital enormously... and want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to hear this wonderful artiste Diana Moore. We thought she was superb. She has a simplicity, an engaging personality and extreme professionalism - all entirely appropriate for the programme of Kathleen Ferrier's favourite performance pieces - and her voice... that was a joy!"

"Wonderful concert! I was delighted with the choice of songs, and particularly moved by Diana's performance which was expressive and (to my ear) faultless. All in all, a great delight, so thank you: a very memorable occasion"

"Absolutely brilliant"

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO CONTACT DIANA ABOUT THE PROGRAMME, PLEASE USE THE FORM ON THE 'CONTACT' PAGE