THE curtain rises on the fourth concert in memory of Leigh's first lady of song, Eileen Darwell.

The name of the top opera recording star and singing teacher who died on the second day of the new Millennium at the age of 76 is being kept alive by her former pupils.

After her funeral at St Joseph's RC Church student Ken Naughton suggested to family and friends that a memorial concert should be organised, so he was handed the task.

Limelight

His first show was so successful that the amateur impressario has continued to put the annual charity fund-raising concerts together to keep Eileen's name in the limelight.

She recorded under the name of Maria Galli and was a pupil of the Leigh Caruso, Tom Burke, featuring on a recording made of a BBC broadcast at the Leigh Hippodrome in 1947.

She graduated from the Royal Northern School of Music and spent all her life in Leigh, living in Bond Street and Bedford Street before moving into the off-licence in Henrietta Street she ran with her husband until the mid-eighties.

She carried on teaching until her death.

Ken's latest tribute takes place on Saturday, May 10, at 7.15pm in St Thomas' Church, Leigh, and will feature stars of the future including James Loynes, 18, who has auditioned for West End musical king, Cameron MacIntosh, festivals winner baritone Barrie Hughes, operatic tenor Joe Unsworth, classically trained soprane Jackie Wheatcroft, who also sings jazz, soul and musical theatre, mezzo soprano Eileen Nelson, a voice coach and teacher who took over Eileen's pupils,Ken Millard, the oldest performer, 10-years-old Rachel Crowe, mezzo Cecilia Tandy, Horwich festival winner Liza Mannion and Ken himself who will perform a couple of David Alexander numbers.

He said: "All the money raised goes to the church and local charities, and it feels good to see almost 200 people in the audiences enjoying themselves in the memory of a great singer and teacher."

Tickets at £3.50 are available on the door or by ringing 01942 745826.