Classical legends Sir Neville Marriner and Kathleen Ferrier were amongst the 47 iconic musicians to be honoured with a Blue Plaque in celebration of BBC Music Day.
All 40 BBC Local Radio stations and Asian Network in England teamed up with the British Plaque Trust to find local legends who deserved to be better recognised in their local area. Suggestions poured in from the public and today, BBC Music Day, the full list of new plaques was revealed.
Alongside popstar David Bowie and broadcaster John Peel, Sir Neville Marriner and Kathleen Ferrier received new plaques in their honour. Marriner’s new plaque is at his Lincoln birthplace, while Ferrier’s first professional performance at the Aspatria Parish Church in Cumbria is marked.
Other classical musicians to be recognised today include contralto Constance Shacklock – a member of Covent Garden opera and began her career with the Nottingham Operatic Society at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham – and tenor Alfie Boe. Boe’s plaque will be placed at Marine Hall in Fleetwood, where he gave his first performance in 1987, aged 14.
Do you know of a local classical legend who isn't yet recognised by a plaque? Comment below with your suggestions and stories.