SHE WOWED audiences in Huddersfield last September when she sang for the first time in the town hall to help Honley Male Voice Choir celebrate in its 75th anniversary concert.

Now internationally renowned soprano Lesley Garrett is back in her home county of Yorkshire to sing at Temple Newsam.

Lesley, who has just released a new album called what else but A North Country Lass, will headline tomorrow’s (July 21) picnic style concert in the Temple Newsam Park.

She will be joined by American opera sensation Noah Stewart, whose debut album Noah went straight to number one in the UK Classical Album chart in March.

Noah Stewart has established himself as one of the fastest-rising young tenors in the world in the four years since he took part in the prestigious Adler Program at the San Francisco Opera.

He has made debuts in Lisbon, London, New York and Paris and last year earned rave reviews when he made his British debut, as Pinkerton with Opera North and also as special guest with John Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra in their sell-out UK tour.

Renowned baritone David Kempster, will return to Opera in the Park following his popularity at last year’s event.

The concert, set in the stunning grounds of Temple Newsam Estate, is one of the highlights of the region’s summer events and is organised by Leeds City Council.

It will feature the Orchestra of Opera North, musicians well known to Huddersfield concert-goers through its performances in Huddersfield and Dewsbury as part of the Kirklees Concert Season which the orchestra manages.

The Leeds Philharmonic Chorus will also be on stage for a concert which has a new media partner, the UK’s biggest classical music radio station, Classic FM, which notches up its 20th birthday this year.

Leeds City Council Executive Member for Leisure Councillor Adam Ogilvie said:

“Attracting an artist of the calibre of Lesley Garrett to appear at Opera in the Park, together with Noah Stewart, means it will be a fantastic night at Temple Newsam.

“Add in the exciting new partnership with Classic FM and this year’s Opera in the Park has all the makings of being the best ever.”

And this relaxed outdoor concert which attracts a real family crowd will see many more converted to the Garrett magic.

After all, Lesley has been credited with breaking through some of the mystique that for many has long clung to the world of opera.

Her stellar career has seen her sing with English National Opera, the Royal Opera, Welsh National Opera and on concert platforms around the world.

And though she has played major operatic roles across the globe, Lesley has also sung pop classics with Bryan Ferry, with The Eurythmics and with Mick Hucknall.

She’s hosted her own TV and radio shows and created roles in major musicals. Of her many albums, Soprano In Red perhaps caught the imagination the most and won her the Gramophone Award for the Best-Selling Classical Artist of the Year.

Originally from Thorne in Doncaster, Lesley is married to a GP and the couple live in London with their son and daughter.

Tickets are £10 and there is an offer of £35 for four tickets for small group bookings of family/friends.

For details go online at www.leeds.gov.uk/opera or call the City Centre Box Office on 0113 224 3801. Tickets are also available from the visitor shop in the courtyard at Temple Newsam.