Thomasin Trezise, mezzo-soprano; Toby Sims, baritone; Kenneth Roberts, piano

There is a subtle art to a lunchtime concert. Audience members bring their lunch and need music which will ease their digestion as well as entertain their minds. The mixed programme on this occasion went a good way towards meeting both ends.

Thomasin Trezise’s generous voice easily fills the church and was at its best in the emotive world of Catalani, though she brought delicacy and clear diction to songs by Purcell and Arne. Her ease of communication was also evident in Hello, young lovers.

Toby Sims’ solo numbers were more challenging. While he pleased with two numbers by Flanders and Swann, his other choices were more demanding. The aria from Gianni Schicchi really needs the audience to follow the text closely if it is to make any real impact; fine for those of us who know and love Gianni Schicchi and, could thus enjoy the performance, but somewhat puzzling for those who do not. Claggart’s monologue from Billy Budd is a wonderful piece of writing but, as a stand-alone, seemed ill suited to a lunchtime recital.

Two duets brought the singers together, a tongue in cheek rendition of La ci darem la mano and a more overt reading of Bess, you is my woman now to end the performance.

Kenneth Roberts accompanied with aplomb throughout, seeming more at home with the operatic items than the lighter pieces.  BH

Next week 22 August at 1.10pm sopranos Lucy Ashton, Anya Williams and Imogen Willets are accompanied by Ivora Rees.