Isle diva Lesley Garrett entertains in Epworth

The opera singer sang in front of a packed audience during a “magical evening” at St Andrew’s Church.

Lesley Garrett, CBE, who originally hails from Epworth, is Britain’s most popular soprano, regularly appearing in both opera and in concert, on television and CD; she has won both critical acclaim and the affection of many fans and music lovers.

Church spokesman Melvyn Rose told the Bells: “The magical evening concert given by Lesley Garrett accompanied by Anna Tilbrook on the piano was a resounding success.

“Lesley’s programme was split into several sections namely operatic, classical, folk music and songs from the shows.

“She also introduced the pieces in her own individual style with humour and also made very favourable comments on the church restoration work achieved.”

He added: “A sum of £5,000 was raised for general church funds and the restoration appeal.

“The church was full to capacity with an audience of 230 persons.

“The organising committee are extremely grateful to Lesley and Anna for their outstanding performances.”

And the performance was no mean feat for pianist Anna as she had to dash to Epworth during the afternoon following an earlier engagement at the Royal Opera House in London.

As a recording artist, Lesley has 14 solo CDs to her credit; Soprano in Red received the Gramophone Award for ‘Best-selling Classical Artist of the Year’, Diva! A Soprano At The Movies, Prima Donna, Simple Gifts, Soprano in Red, Soprano in Hollywood and I Will Wait for You all received silver discs and A Soprano Inspired and Lesley Garrett both achieved gold discs. Recent albums are Travelling Light, The Singer, So Deep is the Night, When I Fall in Love, and Amazing Grace.

She was also a featured artist on the platinum selling Perfect Day single released by the BBC in aid of Children in Need. Her most recent classical recording was the role of Despina for Sir Charles Mackerras’s recording of The Magic Flute. Her most recent album is A North Country Lass.

Lesley’s major television appearances include Lesley Garrett...Tonight, The Lesley Garrett Show, The Singer, Sacred Songs and Lesley Garrett – Desert Dreams for the BBC.

Other appearances have included the documentary Jobs for the Girls with Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke, Viva la Diva and The Lily Savage Show. Lesley was also the subject of a South Bank Show on LWT.

Internationally she has performed throughout Europe, the USA , Australia, Russia, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea.

Lesley was awarded a CBE in the 2002 New Year’s Honours List for Services to Music and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and an RAM Governor.