With a fascinating choice of programme, her natural poise and beauty – and a strikingly dramatic voice – this young lady was most impressive. And equally so, in a different discipline, was her accompanist.
Miss MacPhie is, one assumes, embarking upon a singing career: She will fare well no matter which direction she takes.
And that could be her trump card: She could easily become a polished performer of major dramatic operatic roles for her singing at the Pound of Rodrigo and Poulenc showed much of that sinew or, of course, she could opt for the more romantic, of which she showed plenty in a set of Frank Bridge songs.
Praise encourages, criticism defines and teaches. So she will, I hope, not mind some of both.
She has a tendency towards a slight harshness at the extreme top of her register and I wonder if that is linked to the only idiosyncrasy I could spot: A habit of turning her head to her left – thus tightening the facial muscles.
Her whole demeanour was so mature; she wore a simple red dress; her hands were always where they should be; her feet firmly anchored – no fidgeting or over-played gestures. A joy to see and hear.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here