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Published: 22 July 2010
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR

THE life and music of Kathleen Ferrier are to be celebrated this Sunday, July 25, at The Forge arts venue in Delancey Street, Camden Town. 

Mezzo-soprano Diana Moore has put together the tribute, drawing on Ferrier’s personal letters, diary entries, reflections from her family and reminiscences of friends, several being neighbours in Hampstead.

When Kathleen Ferrier became a full-time professional singer in 1942, she moved  with her family from Lancashire to be in London where she lived at 2 Frognall Mansions in Hampstead until her untimely death in 1953. 

“Her home in Hampstead became a hub of social activity, particularly towards the end of her life, when friends, including the conductor Sir John Barbirolli and his wife, would often visit either to cook or be cooked for,” says Diana    Moore.

“In the early days of her career, when clothing coupons were limited, Ferrier’s sister made one of her first concert dresses from the curtains in the flat!”

Music selected by Ms Moore for the tribute includes individual pieces associated strongly with Kathleen Ferrier, notably by Bach, Handel, Schubert and Brahms.

She’ll also be singing some English song by Quilter and Bridge and some of the folk songs she was so famous for – including that most wonderful Northumbrian air, Blow the Wind Southerly.

But one thing Ms Moore will not be attempting is to imitate Kathleen Ferrier’s unique sound.

“Kathleen had a phenomenally large cavity at the back of her throat and the sound she produced, in conjunction with her luminous personality, make her inimitable!” says Ms Moore.

Her tribute to the singer, endorsed by the Kathleen Ferrier Society, is receiving its London premiere at the Forge having been performed several times to acclaim elsewhere.

• Kathleen Ferrier: her life, music and letter presented by Diana Moore, The Forge, Delancey Street, Camden Town, www. forgevenueorg, 07508 437 228, 6pm, £15