Over 400 people gathered at the Barbican Centre on Saturday last, May 10th, for a moving musical tribute to the late Olive Powderly, founder of Toccata House Music School.
The concert, which doubled as both a student showcase and a memorial, honoured Olive’s enduring legacy as an educator, mentor, and beloved member of the Drogheda community.
As proprietor of Toccata House, Olive Powderly touched countless lives through her passion for music and her deep care for her students. Sadly, Olive passed away on November 28th, 2024, after a long and brave battle with brain cancer. Known for her warmth, humour, and generosity, Olive created more than a music school – she built a family.
The idea for the concert came after the cancellation of Toccata’s annual Christmas Concert, following Olive’s passing. With December being an intense period in the music world, the staff chose to honour Olive with a day of music in May – a student showcase in the afternoon, followed by an evening memorial concert.
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Edelian Pedrosa, who helped organise the event with the Toccata House staff, said planning began in December 2024. “We contacted performers Olive had a personal connection with – people she taught, mentored, and loved. Every piece performed held meaning.”
The night opened with a touching storytelling of Olive’s life through music and closed on a high note with a sing-along performance of ABBA’s Thank You for the Music. The finale had the entire audience holding hands – a powerful, feel-good moment that captured the warmth and unity Olive embodied. Throughout the evening, photos of Olive from her early days at Toccata in the 1990s were projected, adding a personal and nostalgic touch.
The concert featured an impressive lineup of performers – all with ties to Olive or Toccata House. A 16-piece band made up of Toccata staff played live throughout the night, performing arrangements by Edelian Pedrosa. Two choirs – a 25-member Junior Choir and a 10-member Senior Choir – joined the bill, alongside soloists Gerry Simpson, David San Clair, Tomasina McGinnity, Yueran Yang, Niall Callan, and Kieran McDonnell.
The programme spanned genres from Bach to Bon Jovi, reflecting Olive’s eclectic musical taste. One of the final pieces before the sing-along was Bed of Roses by Bon Jovi, one of Olive’s favourites.
Among the many emotional highlights was a performance by the youngest Toccata student, aged just five, who played Edelweiss on violin in a duet with his sister, a recent winner of the Strings Competition in Navan. “It was a beautiful moment that reminded us of Olive’s nurturing spirit and her deep love for children,” Ed shared.
Another memorable tribute came from a pianist and former student of Olive’s, who studied under her for six years in Drogheda. With Olive’s support, she went on to earn a First-Class Honours Degree, win prizes at Feis Ceoil, and is now completing a Master’s in Piano Performance. Her rendition of Bach’s Partita No. 4 was especially meaningful – Olive’s favourite composer, in her favourite style.
The evening was filled with emotion, tears, laughter, reflection, and pure joy. “Seeing our pupils and former students shine, hearing the audience join in, it reminded us of how powerful music is,” Ed said. “It truly felt like one of those nights that stays with you.”
Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many saying it was one of the most meaningful nights they’ve experienced in years. Parents beamed with pride as their children performed in instrumental and vocal groups.
Proceeds from a raffle and programme donations went to the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre, a cause close to Olive’s heart.
Plans are already underway to establish the Olive Powderly Music Bursary, ensuring her legacy continues to support and inspire the next generation of musicians.
The Toccata House Music School will continue Olive’s vision and dedication to musical excellence. Bookings for the next school term, beginning September 2025, are now open.
For more information or to register, contact Ed via toccatahouseinfo@gmail.com, phone 089 247 5616, or visit www.toccata.ie.
