INTERNATIONALLY renowned soprano Lesley Garrett gave a stunning private recital for guests at the Chewton Glen this week.

A delighted audience was treated to a sparkling programme of operatic arias and songs from popular musicals.

It comes ahead of the opera star’s performance at the Mayflower on March 25 when she will take centre stage with the Welsh National Opera (WNO).

Probably Britain’s most popular soprano, Lesley, right, has enjoyed more than 30 years as one of the most successful, classically trained operatic stars, winning both critical acclaim and affection through the diversity of her work.

The evening was organised to celebrate the partnership between Chewton Glen and WNO.

Lesley’s association with WNO goes back to the start of her career when she was invited to sing the role of Nicola in John Metcalf’s The Journey, an opera that was given its world premiere by WNO.

Now Chorus!, the brainchild of WNO’s artistic director, David Pountney, has been devised where the chorus is placed centre stage to celebrate the way in which choral music makes up some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in opera. Lesley stars in this fully staged and costumed spectacle which covers 20 worksincluding Il Trovatore, Madam Butterfly and The Pirates of Penzance, covering different periods and locations.

Commenting on the Chewton Glen evening, Andrew Stembridge, managing director of Chewton Glen and its sister hotel Cliveden House, said: “I am immensely grateful to Welsh National Opera for making it possible for Lesley Garrett to hold this recital at the hotel; our guests have had a remarkable opportunity to be in the company of a truly outstanding artist.”

Concluding the evening, WNO’s artistic director, David Pountney, said: “After Lesley Garrett’s scintillating performance at Chewton Glen, I want to re-iterate what a powerful partnership we have with Chewton Glen and our many friends in Hampshire. Our performances in Southampton always attract full and enthusiastic houses, and we really welcome this opportunity to embed ourselves more firmly within the local community.”