Chippenham dad's grief turns into an opera after losing son

George died from suicide on November 19, 2021, and was a musician and bass player with the progressive rock band Eschar.

Nigel said his son's death came out of the blue. He had no idea he had been struggling quite so much.

He wrote to his son, about his son, and about his grief, after his tragic loss.

George, Nigel and Tom (George’s brother) Linacre after they all performed together in a show one night. (Image: Nigel Linacre)

Nigel shared his words and George’s beats with international jazz musician and band leader Vladimir Miller, and influenced by George’s music, Vladimir began to compose in a range of jazz and orchestral styles.

Together, they have created The Grief Opera, Love Goes On.

Nigel, who works as a leadership coach told this newspaper: “It’s been the worst experience of our lives… All the worst experiences put together.

“There’s only one thing I want which is I want my son back.

“I can’t have my son back, and everything else is secondary.”

Vladmir (left), Nigel (right). (Image: Nigel Linacre)

Nigel took the decision to work on his grief rather than hide from it, and is taking his healing process day by day, believing that the love of those around him can help to move forwards.

It will be raising funds for MayTree, a suicide prevention charity, and tickets should be available and on the door.  

Nigel said: “Grief is universal and so is music.

“It is about a father’s love for a son, the shock and pain of profound loss, and a return to love.

“The music lifts this tough subject, and beyond the shock and pain, there really is only love”.  

Nigel has been working with his friend Jack Konynenburg, who also lost his son in this way, to raise awareness of the problem of suicide, the most common cause of death amongst young men. 

He added: “The Grief Opera, Love Goes On, may resonate with all who have known grief, and leave those who don’t know a little less unprepared.”

Nigel sings alongside soprano Rebecca Snell and tenor Gavin Macrae, who lost also his son to suicide. They both sing with Village Singers and with St Andrew’s Church Choir.  

Vladimir Miller plays piano, with David Shepard on clarinet, Meg Moss on violin, Nigel Shires on double bass, Susan Norton on cello. David, Meg and Nigel play for the North Wiltshire Symphony Orchestra.

The opera is being performed for the first time at 7.30pm on Saturday October, 22 at St Andrew’s Church in Chippenham.

You can access tickets via visiting Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-grief-opera-love-goes-on-an-original-work-on-profound-loss-and-love-tickets-417808946807