Sonya Headlam, soprano, in performance. - Colin Hamilton/freelance photographer

Without a doubt, since its 'discovery', Jamaica has not only played a significant role in world affairs, it has also bequeathed the international stage some of the leading talents, in the arts, entertainment and culture. This contribution befuddles many when they consider the population and size of the nation.

As it is with Jamaica's influence, so it could be said of the almost diminutive Sonya Headlam, the woman with the big operatic voice, who on Monday last gave a marvellous performance at the University Chapel in Mona at a concert presented by theatre aficionado 'Buddy' Pouyattt. It was sponsored by Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).

auspicious

Under the theme A Classical Evening with Sonya Headlam Soprano, her Jamaican debut could not have been any more auspicious. Her style, grace, musicality and performance were not only memorable, but flawless! There was one major flaw with Headlam's debut: she did not complete her performance with an encore and, thus, left her audience wanting more. What a performer!!

When it was first learnt that the concert would be held here, not many were au fait with Headlam. She was, however, well known in international music circles. The event became one of the hottest tickets as with Headlam's Jamaican ancestry coming to the fore, the event became a must-attend for aficionados of the classical genre and nationalists as well! To say that Headlam is talented would be the understatement of the season and possibly an insult to the beauty of the greatest musical instrument ever created - the voice! When it comes to understanding her instrument, its range, scope, character and wonder, precious few singers are as in tune with their voice as she. And with that knowledge, she allows her voice to shine and flourish!

tantalising performance

With a wide-ranging repertoire that saw her performing a number of sacred songs, contemporary arias, African-American spirituals, and a number of Jamaican folk songs, the soprano not only tantalised, she mesmerised and seduced with her every note, inflection and nuance. The audience in the jam-packed chapel was spellbound by her charm, wit and generosity. From Gounod's O Divine Redeemer, to Gershwin's Summertime, to Lloyd Hall's Sweetie Charlie, Wata Come a Me Eye, to Evening Time, she brought magic to the ears with her symphony.

Not only is Headlam a gifted singer, she is awesomely talented to boot and marrying her theatricality to the art of singing made for a most compelling performer. She has star quality with her every fibre, if one managed to view her beauty in abstract terms instead of the compelling force it was, threatening to distract from her craft!

For her finale, Headlam delivered You'll Never Walk Alone (Richard Rodgers) and somehow managed to leave the audience in anticipation of more. Not unlike Evening Time, that Jamaican song uniquely suited to a soprano of Headlam's bounteous ability, You'll Never Walk Alone is pregnant with resounding possibilities that the audience would have enjoyed more were they visited with more resonance!

She did deliver the performance equal to that of a diva. Compered by Marjorie Whylie with Winston Ewart on piano, the evening was a beauty, with deserving kudos for an evening of classical splendour.

those out

Among the notables spotted were: Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen; Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall; Canon Weeville Gordon; Senate President Dr Oswald Harding and Marigold Harding; Maxine Henry-Wilson and hubby Gladstone Wilson; Lisa Hanna; Earl Jarrett; grandmother Doreen Stultz, celebrating her 85th birthday today; mother of the soprano, Chrystal Headlam; her son-in-law Dr Jesse Simsarian; 'Buddy' and Cissy Pouyatt; Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and wife Capt Tessa Lewin; Glynne Manley; Beverley Anderson-Manley.

Also out were: R. Danny Williams and Mrs Williams; Lois Kelly Barrow-Miller; UWI Vice chancellor Professor Dr E. Nigel Harris; Arnold and Clare Bertram; Ambassador Madge Barrett and hubby Arthur Barrett; Professor Dr Errol Morrison and wife Dr Fay Whitbourne; Christopher and Jill Roberts; Earl Levy and wife Beverley Junor Levy; Shirley Golding; Michael Vicens and his daughter Amber Vicens Stewart; Sonia Mills; Dr and Mrs Michael Witter; Marguerite St Juste; Gloria Chen; Donovan and Andrea Lewis; Karlene Kirlew-Robertson; Alan and Reynu Deans; Lois Sherwood; Joe Mahfood and son William Mahfood; the tres elegant Jeanette Hutchinson; Eleanor Jones; Dr Vera Hyatt; the lovely Minna Israel; Winston Barrett; Jeff and Marjorie Cobham; Norma Eaton; Rose Campbell; Tarun and Catherine Handa.

Also spotted were Mr and Mrs Vivian Crawford; Fae Ellington; Noel and Beverley Dexter; Carmen Tipling; Dawn-Marie Virtue; Maj Roy Wade; Howard Cooper and wife Karin Daley Cooper; June Thompson-Lawson; siblings David and Mary Johns; the Rev Dr Marjorie Lewis and daughter Kismet Cooper; Carole Reid; Roger Williams; Mr and Mrs Louis Castriota; Fitz Weir; Basil and Gloria Dawkins; Alfred Thomas; Cynthia Ferguson; Dawn Fuller-Phillips; the lovely Suzie Berry; Patrick Pitter; Charisse Kong; Heather Blanco; Michelle Marsh-Settle; Wayne Marsh; Allen McPherson; Yvonne Stultz who jetted in from Florida, for the performance; Leslie Stultz; Eric Stultz; Betty Stultz; Marcus Kingsley Headlam and wife Jacqueline Headlam; Syl and Dor Brown; Bea and Nevis Anderson; plus a number of others.

Renata Craig (left) and Dawn Craig are caught looking through the programme at the concert.

Lisa Hanna (left) and Glynne Manley were seated early for A Classical Evening with Sonya Headlam, held at the University Chapel in St Andrew last Monday.

'Buddy' Pouyatt (right) and Earl Levy seem to find each other equally amusing.

'Buddy' Pouyatt has Christine Bell tickled before the start of the event.

'Buddy' Pouyatt (left) greets Lady Allen, wife of Governor General Sir Patrick (second right), while Earl Jarrett, general manager, Jamaica National Building Society, shares the moment at the University Chapel, University of the West Indies, Mona, St Andrew.

Judy Benjamin (right) jabs a point home to Wanica Purkiss at the concert.

Earl Jarrett (left), patron of the event, makes a point to Emile Spence at A Classical Evening with soprano Sonya Headlam.