Shirley CHAPMAN

CHAPMAN _ (Zimmerman) Mezzo Soprano Shirley Chapman died on Saturday, November 2nd, 2002. Shirley was born in Manchester but emigrated with her parents to Vancouver after the Second World War. She attended Brittania High and soon made her name as a singer appearing frequently on CBC and taking roles in the popular summer shows in Theatre Under the Stars. Hugh Pickett was a major influence. In 1960 she returned to England to study with Roy Henderson, Kathleen Ferrier's renowned teacher. She joined Sadler's Wells Opera in 1961 and moved with them to the Coliseum until she retired from singing in 1980. Her many roles included Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Dorabella in Cosi Fan Tutte, Lady Essex in Gloriana and Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro. During 1960 she met and married her husband Matt Zimmerman, a Canadian actor, and their marriage in 1962 proved to be one of the happiest and strongest in theatrical circles. She was well loved by her many colleagues and will be sorrily missed. She is survived by her husband Matt.