THE classical concert going public are not usually prone to giving artists standing ovations, however that changed at this concert of the Hall Orchestra with soloist Jane Eaglen, England's premier dramatic soprano.

The audience sprang to their feet, and she did two encores before they would let her go.

She looked and sang magnificently in this programme of Wagnerian Opera excerpts and Wagner's 'Wesendonck Lieder'.

Mark Elder, leading the orchestra in the Overture to 'The Flying Dutchman', made the waves fairly lash the auditorium.

Eaglen sang two excerpts from 'Die Walkure' (The Valkerie) though she saved the 'Ride' until her 2nd encore.

The lyrical and moving 'Good Friday Music' from Parsifal followed, and her 'Wesendonck' was heartbreakingly good.

The 'Prelude and Liebestod' from 'Tristan and Isolde' brought tears to the eyes.

'Siegfried's Journey to the Rhine' and the 'Funeral March' from 'Gotterdammerung' were tender and solemn by turns, but Eaglen's singing in the Immolation Scene showed the true power of her voice, soaring effortlessly above the huge orchestra, with a natural, unforced sound.

She is undoubtedly a great Wagnerian soprano and is still so young.

Bayreuth still awaits Eaglen, but, given her amazing talent, she'll carry all before her.

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester