THIS year, the annual fund-raising concert starred The Sirens - Janine Smith (piano), Diana Sharp (soprano) and Dawn Foxall (mezzo soprano), and pianist Paul Fisher.

Mr Fisher began with his own work Now the Green Blade Rises, which comprises variations on a French song.

In his second slot, he played Cavatina, a Chopin nocturne, a transcription of a Bach sarabande from a suite for cello, and a lovely piece written for him for his 60th birthday by his daughter, Helen.

My favourite of his selection was Restless Nights no 4, by Stephen Heller.

Mr Fisher is a competent pianist, but I am sure he would be the first to admit he is not in the same league as Janine, who, apart from accompanying the singers, gave a beautiful performance of Debussy's Ballade.

The Sirens were absolutely marvellous.

I think I shall never forget the sight of Dawn and Diana standing on top of the grand staircase singing the Flower Duet from Lakme - it was truly magical.

Their first half programme included operatic duets by Mozart, and solos by both singers, and everyone enjoyed a bit of fun called La Regatta by Rossini, when two members of the audience became oarsmen, being encouraged by the two ladies.

In the second half the ladies sang The Man I Love and I Got Rhythm by George Gershwin, both requiring a virtuoso performance by Janine as accompaniment.

They asked Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, we learned that Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend and, complete with top hats, the ladies suggested Let's Face the Music and Dance, moving up and down the staircases in unison.

The programme proper ended with items from West Side Story, but there was no way they were going to get away without an encore, and we heard the beautiful spiritual Over my Head I hear Music to end a superb evening's entertainment.

VJS