Impressive night at the opera

Opera lovers gathered at Frank Collymore Hall on Sunday evening to enjoy a Starry Night: The Opera.

Soprano, Sabrina Patricia Estwick, was the headlining act of the night. The 30-year-old Christ Church Foundation alumna is a locally celebrated singer and 2007 Miss World Barbados third runner-up. She has won titles at the Grand Youth Programme Competition in Ontario, Canada and performed at numerous events such as the Barbados Music Awards, Holetown Festival, Pride Toronto and more.

Just after 6 p.m., Estwick stood in front of the intimate crowd in a theatrical gold and black gown to sing the melodic Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal. She also enthralled the audience with her powerful yet soothing voice during her performance of Quando M’en Vo, O Cessate Dr Piagarmi, Memories and L’amour Est Un Oiseau.

During the first half of the show, Estwick was joined on stage by Christa Stewart. Their duet of Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti, also known as the Cat Duet, was both entertaining and whimsical.

Also in the line-up of spectacular acts was Tristan Layne who is known throughout the Barbadian Anglican Diocese for his formidable voice. He awed with Che belt ache leggiadria and Maxim. He also performed a duet with operatic singer Andre Hoyte, entitled Mimi, tu Piu Non Torni, and sang Think of Me with Estwick.

The audience was also elated with Hoyte’s version of Maria. Estwick and Hoyte delighted with their rousing interpretation of Time To Say Goodbye, earning them applause from those gathered.

Barbados’ youngest recording artiste, Trinity Clarke, was a crowd favourite. She stole their attention with her jolting and hair-raising performance of The Prayer, proving that big things do come in small packages.

The two-hour classical concert also featured performances from the string ensemble Angel Strings, the most senior tier of the Music Angels group. As the audience trickled out the Frank Collymore Hall after 8.p.m., they left with smiles on their faces, impressed with the remarkable night of classical music. (KK)