DIVA Lesley Garrett is a performer who never fails to thrill. And she certainly lived up to her reputation by bowling over an audience at The Sage Gateshead in characteristic style.

There was something for everyone, as the soprano embarked on a musical journey which flowed seamlessly from Baroque to Romantic and from traditional to modern. Among the highlights were a radiant rendition of Greensleeves, an atmospheric take on Scarborough Fair and a stylised, but pleasing performance of the Beatles' Let it Be. Her classical recitals were quite breathtaking. Garrett spun her magic around Faure's Apres un reve and gave a joyous account of Vivaldi's Nulla in mundo pax sincera. Northern Sinfonia, which effortlessly turned its hand to the varying genres, was directed by Tolga Kashif, himself showcasing his not inconsiderable musical talent. His arrangement of Faure's Pavane was luxuriant, while his orchestration of Sting's Fields of Gold would have won the approval of the composer himself. Garrett, who managed to change into three fetching outfits during the performance, was clearly awestruck by the new music hall and lavished praise on Northern Sinfonia, which she has always regarded as the best chamber orchestra in the country. She was clearly overwhelmed by the response of the audience, as everyone rose to their feet at the conclusion of Parry's Jerusalem encore.

* Garrett will return with a Mozart programme on January 26. Box office 0870 703 4555.

Published: 06/01/2005