THE internationally acclaimed opera singer Ann Murray, who lives in Brook, has been made an honorary Dame in the Queen's birthday honours.
Dame Ann Murray (52) was honoured for her services to music. The mezzo-soprano together with her husband, tenor Philip Langridge CBE, is vice-president of Haslemere's Opera Omnibus.
"I am flattered and honoured to be given it," Dame Ann Murray told the Herald this week.
Although the celebrations got off to a shaky start she said because her honour was not announced in the weekend press, she said "it is just fantastic to receive the honour".
Dame Ann, who has lived in Church Lane for 15 years, is an Irish citizen and was made a Dame in an honorary capacity.
Singing mainly in classical opera, she also gives concerts and recitals and has appeared in major opera houses here and in Europe, Ireland and America.
Born and brought up in Dublin, Dame Ann Murray came to England to study at the Royal Manchester College of Music before moving to London and later to Brook with her husband. The couple has a son who is still at school.
Now preparing for her appearance in next month's Munich Festival, Dame Ann Murray will be singing at the BBC Promenade concerts in September, performing seven Spanish songs Manuel deFalla and conducting a masterclass at the Aldeburgh Festival.
When not performing performances, she enjoys making music locally, both with Music for Youth, where she has worked with local conductor David Wright on a number of occasions, and with Opera Omnibus.
"Opera Omnibus are wonderful, they have such drive, it is really, really good and a lot of fun."