“Unmissable”: Diana Moore’s tribute to Kathleen Ferrier

2012 marks the centenary of Kathleen Ferrier’s birth and in celebration Diana Moore is performing her personally devised tribute throughout the UK, a project first conceived and performed in 2007. Endorsed by the Kathleen Ferrier Society, Diana has drawn on her own research of the Ferrier archives, literature, and interviews, combining excerpts from the celebrated contralto’s correspondence and diary, reminiscences from contemporaries, anecdotes and photographs with performances of the music most associated with her.

Collaborating with BBC Radio 3 presenter Brian Kay, her latest performance as part of the Perth Festival of The Arts was described by The Courier as “One of the most moving and captivating evenings I’ve spent…tastefully produced and impeccably performed”. Impressed by “the rich, velvety mezzo soprano of Diana Moore”, Garry Fraser continues: “Moore’s choice of songs illustrated the versatility of Ferrier, from folk to opera and from oratorio to lieder, and they were all delivered superbly…Each song was sung with the utmost expression.”

Likewise, author of ‘Ferrier – A Career Recorded’, Paul Campion writes: “Diana is tall, with a vivacious personality and fine platform presence, so one felt that something of the Ferrier spirit was present, too.”

Having already performed the programme in Perth, Manchester and the Sage Gateshead to critical acclaim this year, Diana takes her “innovative production” (The Courier) to Milton Keynes in June, followed by three performances in Wales this autumn as well as an invitation to perform at the Kathleen Ferrier Society’s Centenary Weekend in October. With next year marking 60 years since Ferrier’s tragic death, further performances throughout the UK are due to follow.