For Peggy….

Peggy Smith Skarry was my voice teacher when I lived in Chicago from 1992-1996. I was happy as a music teacher but the opera singer in me was dormant and restless during these times. Peggy got me on the path to singing more while teaching public school music. This ultimately led me to go back full time to get my master’s degree in vocal performance in 1996. It greatly changed the trajectory of my future and is why I ended up in the northeast.

Peggy picked wonderful operatic repertoire for me that set me on the right path. She was sharp, exuberant, enthusiastic, and inspiring. I loved going to my lessons at the fine arts club on Michigan Avenue. Her talents were vast and her passion for life was infectious.

Peggy passed away on Sunday March 24, 2019. Our mutual friend, Patricia Spencer, who had connected us initially, went to see her a few days before she passed. Patricia was a long time friend of Peggy. Peggy couldn’t speak anymore but Patricia played a Bach fugue on the piano for her friend.

One of the arias I learned with Peggy was Puccini’s glorious aria “Chi il bel sogno.” Peggy picked wonderful repertoire for me like this as well as La Wally. She knew I had an upper extension and found pieces to really help foster its growth. I will always think of Peggy and her life when I hear or sing the ending lyrics of this sublime piece. Gone but never forgotten.

Ah! My dream!

Ah! My life!

Who cares about wealth

If in the end flourishes

Pure bliss!

Oh golden dream,

to be able to love like that!