West End star Wendy Ferguson for iconic St Columb’s Hall

Derry Feis is 101 years old this Easter. To celebrate the turning of its second century, Derry Now will feature a weekly interview with some of the incredibly talented stalwarts of this unique cultural event. 

Talented singer, Wendy Ferguson, who is performing locally in NI Opera’s ‘Salon Series’ later this month, is in the Feis Footlights this week.

NI Opera is bringing West End star and Derry Girl, Wendy Ferguson to the iconic St Columb’s Hall for an evening of classic songs from musical theatre, as part of its new ‘Salon Series’ events.

West End star and Derry Girl, Wendy Ferguson.

Wendy will perform with internationally renowned Derry Pianist, Ruth McGinley, at the concert which takes place on Saturday, February 18. 

Speaking to Derry Now, Wendy described St Columb’s Hall as the “heart of the town”. 

Originally from Eglinton, on the outskirts of the city, Wendy started singing at the age of five with Derry Feis mainstay, James McCafferty, and his daughter Una O’Somachain. 

“I owe everything to them,” said Wendy, “including my love of music.”

Wendy studied music at school before attending the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

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She added: “From there I went into musical theatre and I have been in Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Oliver and Mary Poppins in London. 

“At the St Columb’s Hall concert, the audience can expect a concert of really beautiful music. I grew up hearing all the old movie musicals like Oklahoma and Carousel and I really fell in love with this golden era of theatre and that music.

“It was James McCafferty who first introduced to that music. On the night, there will be songs by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein. I am performing with Ruth McGinley, so it is going to be an hour of absolutely beautiful music.”

Wendy vividly recalled competing in Derry Feis. Laughing, she said: “I grew up with the Feis.”

“I started when I was about seven years of age, with Mr McCafferty. For me, the Feis is just at the heart of Derry. That Easter week we never went away anywhere. We were at home. My mum, Pauline Ferguson, became an adjudicator’s assistant. Mum was a ward sister in Altnagelvin and she volunteered with the Feis way after I had stopped competing.

“It was everything for us. Even performing at St Columb’s Hall on Saturday, will bring back memories of all my singing growing up. I did all my singing at St Columb’s Hall, in the Ballroom, and in the Guildhall. 

“I spent every Easter doing every competition at the Feis. I loved it. It was the most nurturing environment, all these people who just supported you. They helped me with my funding going to music college. I got bursaries through the Feis. It absolutely helped launch my career. I can’t thank James McCafferty and I can’t thank the Derry Feis enough,” said Wendy.

The ‘Salon Series’ is the first time since the pandemic that NI Opera is performing. 

Internationally acclaimed pianist Ruth mcGinley.

“NI Opera has a wonderful Artistic Director, Cameron Menzies, who is just trying to bring music to everyone with these incredible productions. 

“I worked with NI Opera last year in a production of Into the Woods in the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, which has now been nominated for an Irish Times Theatre Award. NI Opera is doing incredible work and it is again about bringing that love of music to everyone and letting everyone see that music is accessible and for everyone.

“Cameron is a visionary director and I am really looking forward to going back to working with him and NI Opera to bring this beautiful music to Derry. It is part of a series which is going to be taking place in all of these brilliant venues, different historical buildings around Northern Ireland, including Hillsborough Castle and Crumlin Road Gaol. I am so honoured to be taking part,” said Wendy.

“It is also a privilege to be working with Ruth McGinley,” said Wendy. “We grew up together and performed in Derry in the Feis. Her mum, Ray, was also instrumental in nurturing my love of music as well. I just can’t wait to perform with Ruth again. She is world class.”