MONTSERRAT Caballe having being forced to cancel due to an injury, the distinction of being the first singer to perform in the new Waterfront Hall in Belfast fell to the popular soprano Lesley Garrett.

As we know from a recent performance in the Grand Opera House in Belfast, Lesley Garrett has a beautiful if not especially large voice. She was excellent in Handel's O Had I Jubal's Lyre, and made an attractive Countess in Porgi amor from Figaro. She was particularly fetching in Adieu, notre petite table and the Gavotte from Manon. Bailero and L'aio de rotso from the Songs of the Auvergne found her on home territory, but the voice filled out convincingly for lo son l'umile ancella from Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur and the Song to the Moon from Dvorak's Rusalka. Phillip Thomas was an exemplary accompanist throught.

In some other items one felt Garrett was extending her vocal and emotional range beyond their limits. Tatiana's Letter Scene was an ambitious choice for her, especially in such a large venue, and she just doesn't have the voice for the Habanera from Carmen.

Lesley Garrett is, of course, also a true crossover artist, indeed the new crossover chart might have been created specially for her. Hearing classically trained singers tackle Gershwin can be off-putting, but Garrett has her own entirely assured, stylistic accommodation with the music of Gershwin and Romberg. Add to this a winning personality, a gift for introducing items and an array of dazzling frocks and she certainly brightened this particular Belfast Sunday night.