INTERVIEW
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Royal Hotel, Ventno
Exclusive interview by Peter White
Opera singer Lesley Garrett has
revealed that she can hardly wait
to return to the Isle of Wight after
making her first ever visit here to
perform at the Isle of Arts Festival in
Ventnor.
The charismatic soprano
was chief celebrity at the
inaugural Isle of Arts event,
and admitted it was a truly
memorable occasion for her
and husband Peter.
Lesley enjoyed her brief visit
so much that she said she
would be willing to return to sing here
at any opportunity, and added: “It
seems to be a wonderful place to live.
We even took a quick look at a few
‘For Sale’ signs. If I am invited then I
would be delighted to come back.”
Her audience at Ventnor certainly
enjoyed every minute of her
performance and there was an
unexpected bonus for a few guests
sitting in the Royal Hotel, where she
stayed, when she suddenly got up and
gave an impromptu performance of
"I thought the whole
Island was beautiful
and quaint."
Gershwin’s ‘Someone To Watch Over
Me’.
“A very talented pianist was in the
foyer tinkling the ivories so I just
joined in,” smiled Lesley. “I’m a girl
for a sing-song – karaoke was made
for me. One or two people did turn
round, but they probably thought it
was a CD playing.”
She said: “We had an absolutely
wonderful weekend. I had never been
to the Island before, but had always
wanted to visit, so it seemed the
perfect opportunity. And
when I was told we would
be staying at the Royal
Hotel I looked it up on the
internet, and didn’t hesitate.
Everyone looked after us so
well, nothing was too much
trouble.
“I had often been to
Southampton singing for Cunard at
the launch of two of their leading
cruise ships. I often looked across at
the Isle of Wight thinking I must go
there one day. Then the invite to the
Isle of Arts ensured this was to be the
occasion. I thought the whole Island
was beautiful and quaint. I am sure
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