A Great Lady of Song and an old recording

For many years I have had an association with the operatic soprano - Margaret Andrews Russell.

I have had many lessons and vocal coaching in the classical style with Margaret. We have performed professionally together (not in opera), we have spent many hours chatting about music, performance, and life in general.

I came to know Margaret as a classical singing teacher - I arrived at her door in a south western suburb of Sydney slightly reluctant to work at classical singing, however, her absolute passion for song, for singing, for music, for great composition, artistry and entertainment, has kept me coming back to her door for nearly 15 years - riches lie within.

Recently Margaret asked me if I would copy some recordings for her - recordings from the past in which she was featured. I did the work for her and had a listen along the way…. one of the recordings, from 1973, sounded as though it was recorded from a TV or radio show, Margaret’s contribution was fabulous. When I next saw Margaret I commented about how good the performance was and she told me that it was on a TV program called Showcase which broadcast from Melbourne on channel 9 in 1973. Showcase was a forerunner of today’s talent shows, featured Gordon Boyd as host and on this occasion used the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Margaret’s inclusion was actually as a replacement - she was not there as a contestant but was called in at short notice.

Please listen below to hear her fabulous voice in action.

Bravo Margaret.