An ’extraordinarily talented’ opera singer and musician, who lived in the island, has died aged 79.

Sean Rea was famous across the world for his performances with the English National Opera, Welsh National Opera and BBC radio’s ’Friday Night is Music Night’ show.

His expertise had taken him to theatrical stages across the UK, Europe and as far as Thailand and Canada. It is said he had even performed in front of the King of Saudi Arabia.

His ’rich baritone voice’ once captivated Manx audiences at the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas and inspired many others in the Manx Operatic Society - of which he directed for a time.

’He was an amazing man, fearless and full of wonder and excitement for life,’ his son Stephen said.

’He had a real ability to make people roll on the floor with laughter, but that was second to his singing ability. I’ve never heard a voice like his. He was still recording music three to four years ago when he developed Parkinson’s, but he battled on.

’He played the trumpet and the harmonica. He was an extraordinarily talented musician and opera singer.

’His sister told me she remembers people flocking around him in the school playground to hear him play the Flight of the Bumblebee on the harmonica. How true that is, I don’t know!’

Stephen, from Sussex, explained that his dad had a hunger for adventure which saw him move around the UK. About 30 years ago his father chose to buy a rundown house in Dalby to fix up while living there for eight or nine years.

Using his passion for music and singing, he taught many islanders including Valerie Cowley from Douglas.

She said: ’Sean was a lovely man and a wonderful singer with a lush baritone voice. As a teacher he was extremely kind and helpful giving confidence and using his many skills to improve ones ability.

’I was taught by Sean as a soloist taking part in the Manx Music Festival, cameo parts in operas at The Erin Arts Centre and also musical shows for the Douglas Choral Union when I was secretary within the society and also The Manx Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

’He sang in the musical "South Pacific" for one of the island’s societies and gave a wonderful performance of "This Nearly Was Mine" and "Some Enchanted Evening" and to my mind no one else has come up to match his performance.

Performances

’Sean performed in classic operas at the Erin Arts Centre.

’He was a friend to many as well as a teacher and helped and improved many island singers with his encouragement and support.’

Although the baritone singer - originally from Surrey - lived an extravagant life, it had stemmed from a tough upbringing.

The relationship he had with his parents was difficult. In his own words Sean called his father ’uncompromising in his beliefs’, who didn’t approve of his son’s creative disposition despite him gaining top marks in art and music at school.

He moved out of home aged 14 and took on a dental apprenticeship as well as joining the Salvation Army where he learned to play the cornet and discovered his natural skill in singing.

In following years he achieved understudy roles for a touring opera company, earned a scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and later secured a position on the music staff at the BBC - this was despite him arriving late to the studio. Sean sang his audition piece and was offered the job on the spot.

The singer was then ’launched’ into the life of a freelance opera singer, juggling this with his cosmetic dentistry work and family life. Despite challenges, he never stopped doing what he loved.

Sean will be lovingly remembered by his children, Sean, Yvonne, Stephen, Lawrence and Alex and by his grandchildren Claire, Simon, Sophie, Charlotte, Oliver, Thomas and Elenor.

A memorial service for Sean will be held on May 28 at the Church of Scotland in Langholm at 2pm.

Those who wish to make a donation may do so to the Parkinson’s Foundation, online or send a cheque to: Parkinson’s UK, 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EJ.