(Credit: Derek Tamea)

Soprano, writer, and music teacher Jane Marian Manning died on March 31, 2021 at the age of 82.

Manning was educated at the Norwich High Scholl for Girls, the Royal Academy of Music in 1958, and the Scuola Di Canto in Cureglia, Switzerland. She earned a Ph.D. from York College, a Ph.D. in Music from Keele College, and was awarded an honorary doctorate by Durham College in 2007.

This Norwich-born English opera singer was considered the “life and soul of contemporary British music.” Early on, she appeared performing songs by important composers and founded her own musical group, called Jane’s Minstrels in the year 1988. The ensemble specialized in contemporary music and participated in concerts and festivals throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

In addition to her career as a performer, Manning was a writer of books and several articles focused on music. She was also a member of international juries in music competitions, president, and a guest artist. Finally, she was also a visiting and honorary professor in addition to being a guest at various universities.

Several prominent composers created works for Jane Marian Manning, including Harrison Birtwistle, James MacMillan, Colin Matthews, Judith Weir, Richard Rodney, and Mattew King.