Katherine Jenkins always looks the part, with her stunning appearance, and colourful frocks to match.
However she has so much more to offer, not only with her accomplished voice, but moreover in the sincere, girl-next-door, manner in which she communicates with her audience.
With a French version of I Dreamed A Dream, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, operatic arias by Bizet and Delibes, a Welsh Folk-Tune arrangement, songs from the shows and some contemporary numbers, Katherine soon had the audience simply eating out of her hand, aided by the overall proficient playing from the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis.
Of course, it’s always hard to come up with the ideal supporting act that does just that, and little more. Here she had definitely done her homework with American ‘popera’ tenor, Nathan Pacheco.
Once he had the audience onside, his final rendition of Nessun Dorma, was certainly effective, while also blending well in duets from Phantom and West Side Story.
If at times we were reminded that Katherine is no top soprano, she has clearly taken the advice of any singing teacher who knows their craft – sing what you sing best, and don’t get out of your comfort zone.
As such it has proved a winning combination for the Welsh crossover mezzo, and just one reason why she deserved her standing ovation from the packed auditorium.
PHILIP R BUTTALL
