REBECCA NEWMAN has sung alongside Aled Jones and Russell Watson.   Yet  on Sunday (April 6), at Wythenshawe Hall,  she performed with a young singer from Altrincham.

Rebecca has taken 16-year-old Scarlett Quigley under her wing and sponsored and taken part in Scarlett’s album, If Only I had Wings, launched that day.

Rebecca discovered Scarlett on a website called Classical Crossover.

She wanted to invite her to sing on a promotional video for her own new album, Dare to Dream and join her in a concert in Liverpool but not until she had met her.

“When I did, I fell in love with the whole family.”

Rebecca has, not only sponsored and taken  part in If Only I had Wings, but helped Scarlett to set up a website.

“ Scarlett shows real potential.   She connects with her voice emotionally,” she said.

Scarlett said:   “I like everything about singing.   I feel nervous and excited at the same time.   Rebecca is always there to help me.”

Two moving moments at the afternoon concert were when Scarlett and Rebecca sang Pie Jesu and Song Bird together.   They captivated the audience which included co-writer of If Only I had Wings,  Colin Gordon-Faleigh.

Scarlett sang classical solos in English, French and Italian featured in her album.

Her remarkably mature voice was well illustrated in her ‘signature’ song O Mio Babbino Caro - one good reason to buy the album.

Her repertoire included  How Can I ever Know from The Secret Garden, Dolce Vento by Christopher Broom, Handel’s Laschia Ch’io Pianga., Folk Song, Down by the Salley Gardens and Faure’s Apre Un Reve,

Jonathan Morrison of Morrison Property Services in Altrincham,  presented her with a cheque to cover expenses and a bouquet of flowers.

He told the Messenger:   “I came across Scarlett and her charming family last year when she launched an exhibition of my late father’s work at Art with a Heart in Altrincham.

“I was bowled over.   She has a very good voice.   My father, Basil, would have been thrilled because he loved young talent.”

* The Debut Album, priced £11.50 including postage, is available from scarlettsoprano.com or Scarlett Fanclub, PO Box 610, York, YO31 6DH.