Second gig with Fiona McCabe at the Randwick Campus of Montefiore Jewish Homes. These are always held on a Sunday afternoon, and there are at least 150 people at these concerts, so it was pretty crowded, particularly as it was the upstairs room. The first thing I heard anyone say was ‘Are you going to do the Carmen?’. So of course I held off for a couple of songs (as Carmen would), then brought the Habanera out… It has become such a signature piece, and everyone adores it, particularly when I come out into the crowd, look them in the eye, hold their hands and sing ‘L’amour!’ to their face. It’s a very discerning crowd, obviously quite critical, but they nonetheless all expressed their gratitude and enjoyment of the concert. I also had the room singing along to ‘White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘We’ll Meet Again’, which was quite wonderful.

Hard work, but most enjoyable!