Not for nothing is Renée Fleming called “The People’s Diva”. The American soprano whose repertoire extends from Handel to Strauss, from Verdi to Wellesz, has conquered world stages and concert platforms for several decades now – hell, she’s even sung at the Super Bowl. Of late, she has spoken much of ‘time’ and ‘age’ and has mentioned a possible winding down period for her opera work. But given her flawless singing in this all too brief concert at the Sydney Opera House I’d suggest she has a few years up her elegant-gowned sleeve yet.

The programme was popular, as befits her status as “TPD”, but not dumb or dumbed down. Most numbers were by composers known for their skilful orchestrations, and given the generous scale of Fleming’s voice, a little orchestral accompaniment would have been advantageous. It could also have extended the brief recital by giving the singer a break between sets (and at $250 for top tickets the Sydney Opera House might have given more thought to value for money). But these are quibbles, as what we did get would be hard to criticise, so effortlessly did Fleming deliver. Another bonus was the confident way that Fleming chatted away...