A Memorial Celebration in Words and Music
In a year marking both The Shelbourne Hotel’s 200th anniversary and the centenary of legendary composer Puccini’s death, The Shelbourne hosts a special concert on Tuesday, 26 November, celebrating Ireland’s most famous opera singer, Margaret Burke Sheridan. The event will pay tribute to her remarkable career and her unique connection to both Puccini and The Shelbourne itself.
The concert, in The Shelbourne’s historic ballroom, will feature a stellar line-up, including sopranos Sandra Oman and Deirdre Higgins, tenor Paul Kelly and accompanist Siobhan Kilkelly. The evening will be narrated by acclaimed author Anne Chambers, biographer of Margaret Burke Sheridan, providing fascinating insights into the life and legacy of the singer known in Italy as “Puccini’s favourite butterfly.”
Concert-goers will also have the rare opportunity to view some of Margaret Burke Sheridan’s operatic memorabilia, including original programmes and the exquisite gowns she wore at La Scala and elsewhere, enhancing this intimate evening of music and history.
Margaret Burke Sheridan was one of the greatest interpreters of Puccini’s works, and a key figure on the international opera scene during the 1920s. Discovered by inventor Guglielmo Marconi in London, Sheridan’s talent captivated audiences in the grand opera houses of Italy, including La Scala, and was renowned for her performances as Mimi in La Bohème and the title role in Madama Butterfly — a role Puccini himself declared she embodied with “charismatic intensity and childlike appeal.”
Sheridan’s relationship with Puccini went beyond the stage. The famous composer personally selected her for the title role in his opera Manon Lescaut and gifted her a stunning gold and blue silk gown for her performance. Following the composer’s death in November 2024 she continued to perform his works in memorial concerts across Italy and at Covent Garden in London.
The Shelbourne Connection
In her later years, after retiring from the stage, Margaret Burke Sheridan made The Shelbourne her home. Known for her mischievous wit and captivating personality she held court in the historic Lord Mayor’s Lounge, delighting guests and fans with tales of her career. During her battle with breast cancer, she spent her final months in comfort at The Shelbourne, courtesy of a wealthy American admirer.
In tribute to her legacy, The Shelbourne is to name a suite in her honour, adorned with memorabilia, including personal correspondence, photographs, programmes, together with a selection of her gramophone recordings.
The evening concert on Tuesday, 26 November will not only be a celebration of the music and history of this great artiste but also a fundraiser for a worthy cause, with proceeds from the concert donated to Arc Cancer Support, an organisation dedicated to supporting cancer patients and their families across Ireland.
Guests will enjoy beautiful music, fascinating stories and a glimpse into the life of a legend and support a vital cause.
A night to celebrate the life and artistry of Ireland’s greatest opera singer, in the hotel that was her final stage.
Tickets are available for €30, including a welcome glass of wine and nibbles before the concert.
For tickets and more information, see Eventbrite – The Shelbourne.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/margaret-burke-sheridan-a-celebration-in-words-and-music-at-the-shelbourne-tickets-1057978565369
Date: Tuesday, 26 November
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: The Ballroom, The Shelbourne Hotel
Tickets: €30 (includes a welcome glass of wine and nibbles)
Proceeds in aid of: Arc Cancer Support
