A retreat is your chance to step aside from life for a while, to rest and just 'be' in a welcoming, peaceful place.
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Celebrating the life of Patron Margaret Rizza 1929-2026
We are very sad to announce the loss of our patron Margaret Rizza who has died peacefully, aged 97. Margaret’s reflective music is known and loved by many across the world and we celebrate the gift of her life and her remarkable legacy. Margaret studied at the Royal College of Music in London and the National School of Opera in Italy and went on to use her gifts as a world-class opera singer for 25 years under such conductors as Benjamin Britten, Igor Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein. She then taught singing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for 17 years. In 1986 she dedicated herself to the wider aspect of music in the community including outreach projects in prisons, hospitals, hospices and schools. Margaret began training and directing choral groups in 1989 and composing in 1997, and her contemplative choral music has received worldwide recognition. She led many retreats, days of prayer, days of music and meditation, and vocal and choral workshops. Her beautiful contemplative music is widely used and loved in church and reflective settings and is a lasting legacy to her deep faith and exceptional talent. Margaret was an enthusiastic and generous supporter of the work of the Retreat Association and became patron in 2013. We are privileged to have known her. May she rest in peace.
