The Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has paid tribute to leading soprano Dame Margaret Price, who died recently at the age of 69.
Cllr Allan Pritchard said: “With one of the most beautiful, luminous voices ever to grace the opera and concert stages, Dame Margaret Price’s remarkable contribution to the world of music will resonate forever.”
“Born into a musical family who lived at Penmaen Bungalows, Oakdale, in Caerphilly County Borough, Dame Margaret’s career saw her performing at venues all over the world including London, New York, Paris, Vienna and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.
“She was once described as having ‘legendary status with her singing of some of the most difficult and elusive music in the repertoire – that of Mozart – using a winning combination of purity and beauty of tone and a flawless technique’, and I speak on behalf of all our county borough’s residents in saying that we are justifiable proud of Dame Margaret’s links to Caerphilly County Borough.
“Dame Margaret’s last performance in our county borough was at the official unveiling of Llancaiach Fawr’s European-funded restaurant and conferencing facility in 1998, when she wowed guests with her stunning vocal performance. I was also privileged to have been at the ceremony at the Pontllanfraith Council Chamber when she was honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Islwyn back in 1983 for her outstanding service to the borough.
“She will be sadly missed.”