After a four-year restoration programme, St Giles House in Wimborne hosted its first season of intimate musical evenings in conjunction with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the third of which was a night of soprano and piano.

Introduced by Lord Shaftesbury who spoke of his family's dreams to bring music back to St Giles, the audience of around 120 were entertained in the Long Room, a beautiful library within the main House.

Along with stunnning views, it was a perfect setting to listen to the incredible voice of soprano Ailish Tynan and her renowned accompanist Iain Burnside.

A regular performer at the Royal Opera House and worldwide, Tynan proved why she is known as a “soprano extraordinaire”.

Her witty anecdotes added to the intimacy of the evening - “when I went to school in Ireland with the nuns, I don't think they ever imagined me doing this” she joked after singing the words of poets known for their drunken lifestyles!

The first half of the programme had a distinctly French feel with songs by Fauré, Poulenc and a hilarious “Another Song About Paris” by Frishberg.

The second half was full of the dramatic starting with two pieces by Handel, including the lamenting Piangerò from Giulio Cesare which received huge applause. The 4th Earl of Shaftesbury was a Patron of Handel who was a frequent visitor to the House which still retains the Handel Room - “now the children's bedroom” joked the current Lord Shaftesbury!

Another poignant piece was Elgar's “Pleading” written for the 9th Earl of Shaftesbury's sister with Tynan stating “it is such an honour to sing this song in such an unbelievable setting”. Passionate and illuminated in delivery, this was another audience favourite. Four pieces by Bournemouth born composer Parry added well to the programme, delivered impeccably.

In such a beautiful setting, one couldn't fail to marvel at the musical talent, my only criticism being that the programme was at times quite dark in both content and as the light faded in the House, some additional illumination might have added to the ambience.

This will be an exciting venue in years to come not only for music. To show its diversity, its next event “Paws in the Park” takes place this weekend with a Chilli and Cheese Festival to follow in August.

By Steph Hall