INTERNATIONALLY famous opera singer Valerie Masterson gave the latest presentation to Torbay Recorded Music Society.

Valerie has sung leading roles in the world's opera houses: the Royal Opera, English National Opera, the Met, Milan, Paris... and, of course, has appeared with all the famous names of the opera world.

Her stage involvement began as a child singing in talent contests, TV fame shows and school productions, culminating in a scholarship to the Royal College.

This, in turn, led to a position with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Co.

As a 'fallback' she also qualified as a radiographer. Her music career was far from straightforward and the TRMS audience was fascinated to hear many stories of her early struggles when facing auditions and stage debuts.

While singing in Beggar's Opera she was heard by Sir Malcolm Sargent and invited to be soloist in the Royal Albert Hall Christmas Concert.

Appearances in Salzburg and Vienna followed and in many French opera houses, each time Valerie having to rapidly overcome language problems.

Valerie illustrated this fascinating presentation with some beautiful arias.

This unique insight into the world of opera will be long remembered by society members.

The society meets every Wednesday at St Matthias Hall, Wellswood, Torquay, at 7.30pm.

Single-evening visitors welcome.