Irene Frangs, ethnomusicologist and vocal director, died suddenly in Connecticut USA on November 4, 2004, of bronchial complications.

Irene was born of Greek parents in Bethlehem OFS. She matriculated at St Mary's School Waverley, and graduated from UCT College of Music. She studied ethnomusicology in England and Europe, undertook research in association with Maude Carpeles, and worked for two years as Head of Archive for Dr Hugh Tracey.

Irene was vocal director for Grease, I love my Wife, Annie, They're Playing our Song and Mame for Brickhill-Burke and for Des and Dawn Lindberg's musical productions Godspell, The Black Mikado, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A ... My name is Alice, Living Land (for Operation Hunger) and King Afrika.

For PACT she directed vocals for Joseph as well as several productions for the Market, Taubie Kushlick, PACOFS and Pieter Toerien.

She was vocal coach for the Shell Road to Fame for SABC TV, and the PAW Academy of Fame. Her protegées include Thembi Mtshali and Yvonne Chaka-Chaka.

She moved to Connecticut eight years ago where she collaborated with Louis Burke on many theatre and voice training projects. She was widely recognised for her natural perfect pitch and dynamic personality. She brought her Greek passion and warmth to all her students, instilling confidence, discipline and technique.

Our heartfelt condolences go to her two sisters Amelia and Georgia and her brother Nick. Her body will be cremated in Connecticut and her ashes brought back to SA to be scattered at her birthplace in Bethlehem. - Dawn Lindberg, (Secretary Theatre Managements of South Africa).