It is with huge sadness that we received the news that our HUGELY respected colleague and friend has passed away.

We, at Clonter, had the huge privilege of her incalculable contribution to our annual Opera Prize concert, performing the role of Compére Extraordinaire for well over a decade.

Over the years she gained a faithful fan base, which included members of the distinguished panel, who much enjoyed her wonderfully dry sense of humour, which she wove brilliantly in amongst her meticulously prepared introductions to the various items on the programme, as well as imparting her incredible depth of knowledge, making the operatic art form accessible and enjoyable for both opera aficionados and those less enthusiastic about sitting through a whole opera, as well as complete novices.

Her last Opera Prize was in February 2020, but she last attended Friends evening at Clonter last year.

In addition to her long service to us, with regards to the Opera Prize, Clonter, all those who took part in, and enjoyed, Albert Herring also owe Isobel a huge debt of gratitude, as she played a significant part in enabling us to put this very ambitious production on. Without her support and another anonymous donor, this would not have been possible, and it is a production of which we are tremendously proud.

Farewell dear friend, and thank you!
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Isobel Flinn
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