The British Musical Biography

Entry

Sunderland, Susan

[E] Sunderland, Susan, born Sykes, soprano
vocalist, born at Brighouse, Yorkshire, April
30, 1819. Was instructed chiefly by local
teachers, and first sang in concerts at
Deighton, near Huddersfleld, about 1884.
She married Mr. Henry Sunderland, June 7,
1838. Made her debut at the Sacred Har-
monic Concerts, London, April 1, 1846,
singing as Achsah in Handel's " Joshua."
Sang at the Birmingham Festival Choral
Concert on the 10th of the same month ; and
at intervals up to 1859 ; at the Free Trade
Hall, Manchester, 1849. So famous in the
North as to receive the title of the " York-
shire Queen of Song," she was a special
favourite at the Bradford Festivals ; she also
sang at the first Leeds Festival in 1858. Her
last public appearance was at Huddersfield,
June 2 and 3, 1864, in the " Messiah," and a
miscellaneous concert. Her golden wedding
was celebrated by a "Jubilee" concert, June
7, 1888, the proceeds of which went to
founding the Sunderland Vocal Prize, for
natives of the West Riding of Yorkshire. At
the meeting in December, 1888, when the
Jubilee committee completed the work, Mrs.
Sunderland sang " Home, sweet home,"
greatly delighting and affecting her old friends
and admirers.

entry id: 401-R-27

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