One of the greatest British contraltos, Kathleen Ferrier, died 50 years ago today at the age of 41, a victim of breast cancer. She was at the height of her powers. Iain Burnside presents an evening celebrating Ferrier's life, artistry, personality and legacy. Studio guests include Alice Coote, Peggy Reynolds, Christopher Fifield and Brian Kay.

At about 7.45, 8.25 and 9.50 Christopher Cook recounts the three stages of Ferrier's life.

And at around 8.55 Michael Kennedy considers the range and significance of Ferrier's artistic relationship with Benjamin Britten. With Penelope Wilton as the voice of Kathleen Ferrier.

Examples from Kathleen Ferrier's recording career include at approximately:
7.30 Schubert An die Musik, D54 7 With Phyllis Spurr (piano)
7.36 Brahms Feins Liebchen, Op 105 No 3 With Gerald Moore (piano)
7.41 Quitter Now Sleeps the Crimson
Petal, Op 3 No With Phyllis Spurr (piano)
7.52 Handel O Thou That Tellest (Messiah) With the LPO, conductor Adrian Boult
8.05 Schumann Frauenliebe und-leben, Op 42 With Bruno Walter (piano)
8.40 L Berkeley Four Poems of St Teresa of Avila, Op 2 7 With the London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Hugo Rignold
9.20 Brahms Alto Rhapsody, Op 53 With Oslo Philharmonic Chorus (men's voices) and Orchestra, conductor Erik Tuxen
10.05 Bach Erbarm'es Gott... Konnen
Tranen Meiner Wangen (St Matthew Passion) With the Vienna Chorus and SO, conductor Herbert von Karajan
10.20 Mahler Der Abschied (Das Lied von der Erde) With the Halle Orchestra, conductor John Barbirolli
10.55 Trad, arr Whittaker Blow the Wind Southerly Producers Deborah Preston. Johannah Smith and Lyndon Jones