Toad Lane Concerts: Imogen Garner mezzo-soprano and John Gough piano

John Gough and Imogen Garner

Despite the bitterly cold snap, once again, the weekly Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum featured top class performers on Wednesday 17 January.

Initially mezzo-soprano Imogen Garner studied economics at Sheffield University, then following a year’s teacher training changed career and studied at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). She has covered several roles with English National Opera and the Buxton Festival, sung live on the BBC and performed with several opera companies and choral societies.

John Gough enjoys a busy career combining solo playing, accompaniment and teaching at the RNCM. He has broadcast many times on BBC Radio 3 and has performed at the Wigmore Hall and as soloist with the RLPO and Northern Chamber Orchestras, and overseas.

We began with the sumptuous song cycle Zigeunerlieder (Gypsy Songs) Op 103 by Brahms. This was followed by lyrical and magical settings by English composer Eric Thiman and Dutch American film composer Richard Hageman. As with Brahms the rapport between singer and pianist is essential and Imogen and John proved to be a captivating duo.

Imogen shared that she enjoyed recent forays as ‘battleaxe’ characters in Gilbert and Sullivan operas and sang two examples of roles using her glorious contralto tone.

This sophisticated recital ended with the delightfully irreverent piece by Murray Grand, ‘What’s a lady like me doing in a joint like this?’ The charming irony brought the house down, demanding a return to ‘a joint like this’. Gypsy, lyrical poet, battleaxe, and lady – all grist to the mill for Imogen, superbly aided and abetted by John Gough.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson