The Little Soprano delighted the audience by approaching works in Italian, German and French with consummate ease and perfect pronunciation. The first half of the programme concentrated on opera and featured, among other pieces, Fiordiligi's challenging aria from Cosi fan Tutte, and 'Ach, ich fuhl's' from Die Zauberflote. The songs by Vincenzo Bellini which followed also received rapturous applause from the audience, which included seasoned followers of Gillian's work as well as a few first-time listeners. But the undisputed hit of the evening (apart from That Dress) were the songs by Reynaldo Hahn, which although new to many were singled out for particular praise.

 

'I wanted to take this Recital in a new direction,' Gillian explains. 'I took some very necessary time out between this Recital and the last, in 2002. Choosing the programme for a recital is always difficult because there is so much to choose from, although often one's own vocal journey dictates what one should be singing. But probably with this Recital I have had a bit more choice because vocally I am now able to deliver and to explore a greater variety of styles and genres. Ultimately, though, the programme is about women and love... I was eager to examine the full gamut of women's emotions concerning love.'

As a member of the audience, I think she achieved her aim beautifully - and finished off the evening with a medley of pertinent popular songs. Both performers seemed to have great fun with an exercise which Gillian admitted was a case of seizing the opportunity to sing some favourites. Included in the medley and with special meaning for Gillian's family in particular were 'As Long As He Needs Me' from 'Oliver!', and Gillian's daughters' favourite, 'People' from 'Funny Girl'.

Altogether, this was a magical evening of beautiful music by two outstanding performers.