Toad Lane Concerts, Rochdale
5th February 2026

Midweek Musical Delight at St Mary in the Baum!

Every Wednesday at 12:30pm, enjoy the Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts at the stunning Grade I listed St Mary in the Baum church, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ.

Admission is just £6. As a “not for profit” initiative, your entry fee and donations directly support talented musicians, the historic venue, and music resources.

For details, contact Dr. Joe Dawson: 01706 648872.

Note: There have been 1,172 concerts since taking over the council’s Music at Lunchtime in 2001. Justifying continuity in Rochdale’s year as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm – 1.30pm.

Wednesday 11th February 2026 – Rascallity Harp Duo: Alice Roberts & Kathryn Mason (both Manchester University & RNCM)

Here are the next events to whet your appetite.

- Feb 18 – Adrian Lord piano and composer (RNCM)
- Feb 25 – Margaret Ferguson soprano (Ghana, Poland & RNCM) with Mackenzie Paget piano (RNCM)
- Mar 04 – Students from Chetham’s School of Music
- Mar 11 – Rochdale Phoenix Opera Company
- Mar 18 – Music from Tonacliffe Primary School. Directed by Freda Farnworth (Guildhall School of Music, London)
- Mar 25 – Louise Taylor soprano & Jill Taylor mezzo (duets) with Jonathan Ellis piano (Manchester University & RNCM)

Previous Performance Reviews.

Wednesday 4th February 2026 – Imogen Garner mezzo soprano (RNCM) with John Gough piano (RNCM former Head of Accompaniment)

We are fortunate having such fine performers to maintain the heritage traditions of the song recital.

Chester based mezzo-soprano Imogen Garner studied at the RNCM and has sung as a soloist in concerts, live broadcasts on BBC Radio 4, several opera companies and as a soloist with choral societies. Imogen also gives song recitals throughout the Northwest with her accompanist John Gough and joined by Ben Holland in Trio Deva.

John Gough was born and bred in Chester. He enjoys a busy career combining solo playing, accompaniment and teaching. He has broadcast many times on BBC Radio 3 and has performed at the Wigmore Hall, London, and as soloist with orchestras. Overseas, he has performed at the Carnegie Hall, New York, and on Danish Radio. He recently retired as Head of Accompaniment at the RNCM and introduced the songs today with engaging information.

This period of twentieth century Art song by British composers are an important musical legacy – someone said that if it were not for the examination lists, they would cease to exist. A good example of this is Love went a riding by Frank Bridge (Britten’s teacher). This strident setting with a tremendous piano part was delivered by this concert duo with great skill and passion. Imogen’s rich, mellow tone immediately grabbed the attention supported by an inspiring piano accompaniment.

This was followed with two settings by John Ireland and in turn two songs by one of his students, Janet Hamilton, from her all too limited legacy.

Madeleine Dring was something of a rebel as seen in her settings of Betjeman’s Business Girls and Song of a nightclub proprietress, ideally catching the mood of the 1950s, delivered with great character by Imogen with jazzy support from John.

But the major work, that has stood the test of time was Elgar’s song cycle, ‘Sea Pictures’ of 1899 for contralto (more usually called mezzo soprano these days). It is regarded as a tour de force for this voice which was borne out by Imogen and her fellow interpreter today. They deserve our thanks for doing a wonderful job keeping these great works and traditions alive.

With thanks to Dr. Joe Dawson for permission to publish his article.