Remembering Jane Manning

With the tragic news of Jane Manning's passing, Executive Producer Colin Matthews pays tribute to an incredible talent who will be dearly missed.

So very sad to learn that Jane Manning has died at the age of 82. She was a central figure in new music for well over 50 years, someone who could tackle anything and everything, with a sight-reading ability, perfection of pitch and a sheer joy in performance second to none.

Her repertoire was vast, and she must have taken part in more first performances than any other singer. She continued to sing into her seventies, but she had earlier diversified, forming the virtuoso ensemble Jane’s Minstrels with her husband Tony Payne in 1988, teaching at the Guildhall and Royal College, and compiling two books of New Vocal Repertory in 1986 and 1998. She published two further volumes as recently as last year.

Those who knew Jane will greatly miss her enthusiasm and bubbly personality, but she will always remain in the memory as one of the outstanding voices of our time.

- Colin Matthews