But my personal favourite was the Lancashire-born Caroline MacPhie. Her light-lyric instrument was clean-toned and perfectly tuned, and she delivered an enterprisingly original programme… with flair, style and musical imagination.

The Queen’s daughter, the cause of the friction between the Queen and Sarastro, was portrayed beautifully by Caroline MacPhie. She brought to the role a lovely mixture of obedience to her mother, and the emerging desires of a bright young woman.

The whole cast in Nancy reaches perfection, starting with the small roles performed with panache, namely Caroline MacPhie…

…as Susanna, Caroline MacPhie reveals a clear soprano and excellent enunciation in a performance that proves to be just as sharp as the character.

…the quality of the three ladies, Caroline MacPhie, Heather Newhouse and Dorothea Spilger, who bring grace and intelligence to the vocal line and the text.

MacPhie sings with haunting sensitivity and emotional engagement… This lovely disc marks the arrival of a fine young recitalist.

…Caroline MacPhie and David Jones….both excellent.

One must also mention the performance of the beautiful Caroline MacPhie in the (far too brief) role of a young girl…

MacPhie radiated joy and ecstasy…

Caroline MacPhie portrays a mischievous Barbara with clear high notes…