Elizabeth Cameron
Album: Soprano
Label: Nobody Films
Tracks: 15
Website: http://www.elizabethcameron.co.uk/

Are you one of those people that have always fancied an after dinner musical soiree in your drawing room, Downton Abbey style, but perhaps can neither afford it nor have a drawing room? If you are, then this album could be the answer for you. You do not even have to wear a long dress or a tux to listen to it either.

Elizabeth Cameron is a classically trained soprano who has performed with a number of operatic companies including Scottish Opera and Opera Anywhere. She currently works as a singing teacher in Yorkshire, in addition to her professional engagements as a freelance opera singer. A job I must admit I had never heard of before. Her CV is available on her website which shows the full breadth of her accomplishments.

Elizabeth studied at the University of Wales, Bangor, where she attained a Bachelor of Music degree and Masters in Music specialising in performance. In September 2002, after 3 years working as a secondary school music teacher, she entered Trinity College of Music. She obtained her Post Graduate diploma in 2003 and having gained the highest mark for her Advanced Diploma recital in 2005 she was nominated to take part in the Trinity College of Music Gold Medal competition.

Her voice has been described as bright although I prefer the words "crystal clear." The quality of her voice is emphasised on the album by the use of a single piano as accompaniment as opposed to the usual orchestral backing which can have the effect of drowning out the performer. In this case, the piano is played by Joe Beighton, both simply and superbly.

The tile of the album, "Soprano" gives no indication of what to expect other than a high female voice. The tracks are an eclectic mix of music ranging from old standards to opera and show tunes. My personal favourites are "The Water is Wide" and "A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square. "I Could Have Danced all Night" is a fabulous song from My Fair Lady and the songs from Showboat are sung with authority and passion.

I would describe the CD as being primarily for those devotees of both classical and opera music but possibly not for the casual listener or lover of modern pop music. That might be being unfair on modern pop music but this really is for the serious music listener. If you like show tunes sung in a different way to the conventional and accepted way, this is also one for you.

Elizabeth is a very talented young singer who should be encouraged. The album is available from Elizabeth's website, address above. Enjoy.

Rory Stanbridge