White Horse Opera’s Spring Concert promised us a musical trip ‘all around the world’ but in reality took us to most points of Europe with a last minute flit to the United States. But those of us downcast at the lack of Asian arias were more than compensated by an excelling programme that majored on works from Italy and Germany (and why not?), England’s sole entry was a worthy one : Dido’s Lament from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, beautifully interpreted by Chrissie Higgs.

A clear dichotomy developed - the company, in fine voice although the male members were a little submerged, joined the audience to watch the guest soloists, tenor Sebastiano Cipolla, baritone Timothy Allan and soprano Dajana Kovac. Mr Cipolla conjured visions of Roman Holiday or a slow punt up the Grand Canal. Italian suavity personified, sweet toned, yet a little underpowered to my ears. More Vespa than Ducati. Timothy Allan threatened the solitary button on his tux and tinkled the Town Hall chandeliers with a huge rendition of ‘Pieta, Rispetto, Amore’ from Verdi’s Scottish opera. The coquettish Mrs Kovac is always a delight and her flirty duet with Mr Allan of Mozart’s ‘La ci Darem la Mano’ from Don Giovanni was one of the evening’s treasures.

Yet the true high points came from within the company itself. A rouge cheeked Barbara Gompels’ vocal gymnastics in Offenbach’s ‘Doll Song’ and Paula Boyagis’sultry, smoky siren warning off potential suitors in Bizet’s ‘Habanera’ from Carmen. Both were performances of confidence and conviction, with a knowing smile.

The evening concluded with flowers and moist eyes as the company said farewell to departing Musical Director Arne Kovac. A special word too for the sensitive backing offered by pianist Tony James.

An evening of sheer cultural indulgence. Bravo!