AN international opera star is coming home to Teignmouth for Christmas, and will be performing locally.

Mezzo-soprano Hanna-Liisa Kirchin performs at some of the top opera houses in Europe, but will be singing in the rather more modest locations of St Michael’s Church and the Colosseum Restaurant.

She has received rave reviews in prestigious publications this year, including this one from the Longborough Opera Festival:

‘The most lustrous voice on stage... belonged to love-slave Ruggiero, sung with glowing expression by Hanna-Liisa Kirchin... Kirchin has a compelling stage presence.’

Last year, Hanna-Liisa and her friend Laura Sheerin sang at the Colosseum, where her parents are regular diners, and is owned by Lizzie Davis, who used to run a stage school in London.

She enjoyed it so much, she agreed to do it again for three evenings on December 20, 22 and 23, much to the delight of Lizzie, who said: ‘She popped in with her parents and we got chatting. She said she would love to singer here, and kept to her word.

‘It went down a treat last time, and diners were spellbound by such beautiful singing of music from popular classics in such intimate surroundings.

‘I don’t think it is has happened in any other restaurant in this area.’

Hanna-Liisa added: ‘I am looking forward to coming back to Teignmouth for Christmas and meeting up with my family and friends again. It was such fun singing at the Coliseum last time, and I can’t wait to go back again.’

She is a recent alumnus of the National Opera Studio, and a graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and ENO’s Opera Works Programme.

Her 2016 season included an international debut with Dutch National Opera/Opera Zuid/Nederlandse Reisopera as Fidalma (Il Matrimonio Segreto) in March, and UK debuts with Grange Park Opera as Wowkle (La Fanciulla del West), and with Longborough Festival Opera as Ruggiero (Alcina) in July and August. 

Hanna-Liisa’s other gig will be the Nativity at St Michael’s tomorrow and Tuesday at 6pm, organised by Lizzie.

Also appearing again this year will be professional young actor James Wilson and local actor Steve Andrews.

‘This will be our third year of the Nativity, and we are proud to have a good mix of local talent. Chrissie Alan will again by our musical director,’ said Lizzie.

‘The show is put together in eight rehearsals, and everybody works hard, and gives their time for free.

‘The show is for the community, and a gift to our friend Christine Kok from Shaldon, who sadly lost her battle against cancer.’

Tickets are not needed for the Nativity, and any donations will be split between Rowcroft Hospice and the church.

No tickets are needed, but donations will be appreciated.