Well-known vocal soloist from Wilton dies aged 97

Born in Chester on Tuesday, May 18, 1926, Margaret Shore (née Ledsham), moved to Wilton as a child with her parents, Alfred Glover Ledsham and Alice Matilda Ledsham (née Green).

She later studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and became well-known as a soloist for her contralto voice.

She spent much of her early career singing Bach’s “St Matthew Passion” and Handel’s “Messiah”, later branching into a wider repertoire that included German Lieder, French Mélodies, Mahler’s “The Song of the Earth”, Verdi’s “Requiem” and Elgar’s “The Dream of Gerontius”.

Margaret made numerous appearances as a soloist with the Salisbury Musical Society, Salisbury Symphony Orchestra and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, as well as live broadcasts from BBC Bristol.

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Margaret married Jack Shore in 1959 after the two met at the Salisbury Chamber Music Club, where Jack was chairman and Margaret was secretary. Their wedding was featured in the Journal.

Mr Shore died in 2022. 

Margaret Shore with her husband Jack Shore on their wedding day in 1959, which was covered in the Salisbury Journal. (Image: Nigel Shore)

Margaret remained an active member of the Salisbury Musical Society for 62 years, from 1944 to 2006.

She was also a member of the Farrant Singers and conductor of the choir at the United Reformed Church on Fisherton Street.

Following her retirement from singing, Margaret spent her time performing charity work, such as reading the Journal onto tape for the blind, delivering Meals on Wheels and cooking lunches at the United Reformed Church.

Margaret died at her home on Monday, March 4, at the age of 97.

She is survived by one son, Nigel Shore of Berlin, Germany.

At Margaret’s request, there will be no funeral and a private cremation.