MARIE 0’ SULLIVAN, (Soprano, Teacher & Tosini Founder)

1960-2011

A PERSONAL TRIBUTE

It was 33 years ago last month that I encountered, for the first time, the whirlwind, that was then Marie O’Connor, soon to be Marie O’Sullivan. Following a glorious and rather intimidating soprano sound, a music room door burst open, and a bright –eyed,dark haired girl of my own age appeared, and introduced herself. It is a moment that I will never forget, and one that was to lead to a lifelong friendship.

We were, at that stage, singing students of the legendry Frank Caper MBE, and for much of my musical career, I was to hear from the great man “I do so wish that you would apply yourself to your music like Marie O’Connor”. Truth to tell, I never could quite manage that.

Those years that we studied with Frank were to have a profound effect on Marie. Not only did her study hone her God-given gift of a wonderful soprano voice, but it instilled in her an understanding of the principles of good and healthy singing. Consequently, it allowed her to become an immaculate classical singer, and one of Ireland’s finest vocal teachers.

Everything that Marie O’ Sullivan did was generous and fine. She was a sparkling performer who could dazzle with a Mozart concert aria, and then reduce an audience to awed silence with Michael Balfe’s “I dreamt that I dwelt in Marble Halls”. Her duet partnerships with Fr Eugene O’Hagan, Joanna Pullicino and so many others, were vocally ravishing…. all of the time accompanied by Marie organising and bossing….just a little, to make sure that everything was perfect for the audience!.

Marie’s musical gifts were many, but so too was her considerable emotional intelligence. She truly understood what it was to be a singer. She knew that singing was about so much more than a beautiful voice. She knew the hard work and years of study required, and she knew that there was no quick fix. All of this knowledge she imparted with passion and flair to her students at the Bel Canto school of singing. Only 10 days before her untimely death, she was making the arrangements for their Christmas Concert, and helping Elizabeth Stoddart prepare young students to sing in the NI Opera production of “Hansel and Gretel”.

Her founding of TOSINI,Teachers of Singing in Ireland, the only organisation on this island dedicated to the professional development of singing teachers was visionary. And it is, perhaps, through this organisation that her musical legacy will best endure.

When I saw her last, she spoke particularly of my co-founder Elizabeth Bicker MBE, Professor Paul Deegan, Mairead Duffy, Turlough Gorman, and all of her Tosini colleagues. Her wish was that this organisation would continue to deliver for the young Irish singers for whom she cared so passionately.

TOSINI’s election as the Irish representative to both AOTOS (Association of Teachers of Singing) and EVTA (European Voice Association) are the very proof of the excellence that was Marie’s hallmark.

In April of this year, Marie gave her last public performance when she led the chorus of Northern Ireland Opera’s production of Tosca in Derry. Once again, she inspired the young singers with whom she worked, and won the admiration of the entire opera team. Floria Tosca’s great aria, “Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore” at the end of Act 1, for me perfectly encapsulates Marie.  A life dedicated to her musical art, a life of love for her husband,her family, her friends, her students and particularly for the music that gave her such joy.

We shall not see her like again, and I, like so many others will miss her hugely.

Requiescat in Pace

Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle

CBE DL

Founding Patron

Tosini

Teachers of Singing in Ireland (Tosini) was founded in September 2002 as the only professional development organisation in Ireland dedicated to supporting voice teachers and singers through regular training workshops and performance opportunities.

We aim to create opportunities which bring together teachers from all over Ireland and all our courses are open to teachers who teach any expression of song; classical, jazz, rock. Gospel. Folk and traditional, either privately or in a school/college.

Teaching singers to get the best from their voices is a skill which demands years of careful and dedicated work. Tosini offers courses which give insights into the different approaches of distinguished teachers from the world of singing as well as opportunities to develop your career as a singing teacher.

The health, happiness and future of every singer depends on the safe development guidance of the singing voice from a dedicated and experienced singing teacher. Tosini aims to offer courses that will give teachers of all ages and experience valuable learning opportunities here in Ireland for a very moderate outlay.

Testimonials from participants on previous Tosini workshops & courses:-

‘I would love there to be more opportunities and courses like this one’

‘All of the day was very helpful….most helpful was the time dedicated to each individual’

‘All of the class was fantastic - just more often would be great’

‘I loved all of it…….it was perfect!’

‘The teachers enthusiasm made it great fun’

‘All of the courses and workshops have been well run, interesting and well taught - excellent tutors. I also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere’

‘More of theses workshops, please - great ideas and advice’

DISCLAIMER:-  Whilst Tosini promotes excellence in Vocal Tuition, the responsibility lies with the student to select a Tutor who best suits their individual needs.

(Please refer to ‘Advice On Finding a Singing Teacher’ on the website).

Inland Revenue Ref. XR64684                                                                   Company Registry No. NI 48849

 

©.Teachers of Singing 2010