Singers mourn one of Britain’s great teachers
mainWe have been informed of the death of Patrick McGuigan, a baritone who went on to teach such memorable talents as John Tomlinson, Gwynn Howell, John Connell and Keith Latham.
Patrick was 86 and had been ill for a while.
Born in Dublin, he sang roles at Sadlers Wells, Glyndebourne, Welsh and Kent Opera before becoming an instructor at the Royal Manchester College of Music (as it then was). He married Caroline Crawshaw, a fellow-singer,and together with Barbara Rowbotham they created the best vocal studio inn the UK. Aside from singing, he adored equestrian events.
Mark Glanville writes: ‘RIP Paddy McGuigan. Loved that man. Was meant to see him on Monday but he was too ill. If anyone made the most of his life, it was Paddy.’
pictured: Patrick Mcguigan with (l-r): Nigel Fair, Caroline Crawshaw, Mark Glanville, David Ellis and Howard Neil Charles.
RIP Paddy, a wonderful man. Interesting to see how his former students have all become folically challenged since the 1980’s. I’d swear the blonde is Caroline, though.
Haha! Age, sir, age. And bravo. That is indeed Caroline Crawshaw.
Thought as much. Nice to hear from you, Glans; one of the major players of Murphy’s Mob.
Haha!
follically.
There are six names attached to that photo, but aren’t there five people in it? Paddy was assistant head of vocal studies when I was at the RNCM.
The identifications are being updated, Maria. At one point, Paddy was also Head of Vocal Studies.
Loved accompanying for his lessons as a student at the RNCM. Super sense of humour and full of empathy for his students. He played Dulcamara in an RNCM student production of L’elisir d’amore in Douglas, IOM, directed by Joe Ward, and was fabulous both on-stage and off. Even completely unfazed when the live donkey refused to enter one night, leaving him holding the on-stage end of the rein whilst the donkey remained firmly off-stage! He didn’t miss a beat! RIP Paddy xx
Like so many of us, I am saddened to hear of the death of Paddy McGuigan.
I entered RNCM at the age of 32, specifically to study with Paddy. When it became clear that I was one of those for whom Paddy’s teaching didn’t work, it was Paddy who decided I should change, and Paddy who went against the College’s decision as to whom my new teacher should be, to get me to the teacher I wanted – Anthony Roden, with whom I still study years later.
So, in a weird way, like so many many singers, I have Paddy to thank for my career.
I will always be glad to have known him.
Terribly sad to read of Paddy’s passing away.
He and I lived in adjoining flats in the Hathersage Road in Manchester, during my 3 years at the College.
He was like an elder brother for me.
Paddy will be sorely missed by many of us.
A truly inspiring person.
I for sure will never forget him.
DER DORFBARBIER .. Opera Piccola .. Sheffield …
I’m very sad to hear of the death of Patrick McGuigan (very belatedly). I was a frequent attender of concerts and opera at the RNCM and was aware of him as a teacher in the School of Vocal Studies. My interest was piqued further, sometime during late 70s early 80s, when he sang in a highlights concert of Verdi’s Aida in Sale near Manchester. In the programme it said he had studied for a period while in London with Edgar Herbert-Caesari, whose books about singing had inspired me as a would be amature singer. (And by the way PMcG legato in the above concert was something to admire.) Many years later when he was about 82/3 years of age, I got in touch with him as I was writing an extended piece about Caesari-‘(‘Memories of Edgar Herbert-Caesari’.) I remember with great affection him inviting me to his home to talk about this experience and many other things besides, including his very important connection to Frederick Cox. What a good, long conversation we had. It was a rich experience. RIP.