CD OF THE WEEK: Veronica Dunne-  The Platinum Collection, EMI **** 

It’s fitting that this collection should be released just a few weeks after Orla Boylan enjoyed a triumph as an Irish- born Tosca in the ultimate season of Opera Ireland. Veronica Dunne is a national treasure and a force of nature both in Ireland and abroad in the wider world of opera.

Having left behind a promising international career as an opera diva to marry and rear her children, Dunne has been an inspired teacher to generations of young Irish singers, of whom Boylan is a shining example. This year is Dunne’s 50th anniversary of teaching in Ireland, and these discs have been released to mark the occasion.

Not content with simply teaching, Dunne started the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition in 1992. This has launched the career of several young singers on the great international opera stages of the world, including Boylan and Norah Ansellem.

This three-disc collection of Dunne’s singing over the years features opera, Celtic and traditional recordings; all proceeds will go to her beloved singing competition.

There is much to enjoy here, with notable performances of  O Mio Babbino Caro(recorded when Dunne was 19) and a rapt singing of Deh Vieni Non Tardarfrom Marriage of Figaro. Irish composers are not neglected, with I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Hallsfrom The Bohemian Girland Scenes That Are Brightestfrom Maritana, part of the opera highlights.

However, the real gems of the discs may be the duets from L'Amicop Fritzwith the great tenor Nicola Monti. They are a delight to hear, with both singers stylishly expressing the delicate essence of the music. The material on the other two discs is somewhat more ephemeral, but there is some lovely singing as well.

See emimusic.ie