Margaret Curphey obituary – A soprano of supreme vocal prowess and dramatic conviction

A leading British soprano, Margaret Curphey was renowned for her thrilling top notes and her ability to bring a wide range of operatic characters to life.

by Peter Rankin

Margaret Curphey, who has died aged 89, was one of the most acclaimed British sopranos of her generation. Her powerful voice and dramatic intensity made her a compelling presence on the opera stage, and her performances were always eagerly anticipated by audiences.

Curphey was born in London in 1934 and studied singing at the Royal Academy of Music. She made her professional debut in 1957, singing the role of Violetta in La traviata at the Glyndebourne Festival. Her performance was a critical success, and she quickly established herself as one of the leading sopranos in the UK.

Curphey went on to sing a wide range of roles, including Aida, Tosca, and Leonora in Il trovatore. She was particularly known for her thrilling top notes, which she could use to soar above the orchestra with ease. Her dramatic intensity was also a hallmark of her performances, and she was able to bring a wide range of characters to life on stage.

Curphey sang with all the major opera companies in the UK, including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the English National Opera. She also appeared at opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Vienna State Opera.

In addition to her operatic career, Curphey also performed in concerts and recitals. She was a keen advocate for new music, and she often premiered works by British composers.

Curphey retired from singing in 2002, but she continued to teach and give masterclasses. She was a respected mentor to young singers, and she was always willing to share her knowledge and experience.

Margaret Curphey was a soprano of supreme vocal prowess and dramatic conviction. Her performances were always a thrilling experience, and she will be greatly missed by opera lovers around the world.

Tributes to Margaret Curphey

“Margaret Curphey was a true legend of British opera. Her voice was simply stunning, and her performances were always unforgettable. She was a great artist, and she will be greatly missed.” – Sir Thomas Allen, British baritone

“Margaret Curphey was one of the most exciting sopranos I have ever heard. Her voice was powerful and soaring, and her dramatic intensity was second to none. She was a true star of the opera world.” – Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, New Zealand soprano

“Margaret Curphey was a great soprano and a wonderful colleague. She was always generous with her time and advice, and she was always willing to help others. She was a true friend to many people, and she will be greatly missed.” – Philip Summerscales, husband of Margaret Curphey