Review: Lesley Garrett at Symphony Hall in Birmingham

Dec 10 2009 Review by Tony Collins

The full range of Lesley Garrett’s wonderful vocal talents are captured in this prefect pre-Christmas offering.

Britain’s most popular soprano banishes any winter blues with this festive concert, backed by the splendid English Chamber Orchestra under the comfortable control of conductor Philip Ellis.

Lesley was full of the joys of Christmas and confessed it was “fantastic” to be back at the fabulous Symphony Hall after a two-year absence.

She left the carols and other festive favourites till after the interval, instead preferring to concentrate on a marvellous range of operatic treats in the first half.

The still glamorous Lesley, who would be many men’s choice for the top of their Christmas tree, opened with the haunting Alleluia by Bach, and continued to ring the changes, both with her choice of frocks and the music on offer.

She gave us tales of “saucy wenches” and also delivered two gorgeous offerings from Puccini’s La boheme.

VERDICT: 5/5