A Colombian soprano made her debut UK performance at a concert held in St Ives.

Louisa Torrres performed at the second of the summer lunchtime recitals staged at St Ia’s Parish Church, which also saw a performance by Jerry Mead, the out-going organ scholar at Truro Cathedral.

A large and appreciative audience were treated to a highly original and imaginative programme of works for organ and soprano voice. 

The St Ia 1907 Hele Organ was put through its paces by Jerry in solo works by Simon Preston, Jeanne Demessieux and Louis Vierne, and then further demonstrated its versatility as the accompaniment for Louisa in favourite soprano arias by Mozart, Mascagni and Faure. 

A highlight of the recital for many was a performance for narrator and organ of The Visions of the Holy Spirit by the young American composer Daniel Fiscarri, a work that held the audience “spell-bound” with its though provoking verses and haunting music. 

A retiring collection raised well over £100 in donations to the St Ia Organ Fund that seeks to raise the money to undertake an overdue scheme of essential repairs and cleaning on the organ.

The church already has over half of the money required and hope to raise a further £15,000 to £20,000 to complete the project in time for the 120th anniversary of the organ in 2027 to keep it playing for future generations to enjoy.

The next recital will be given by Gabrielle Lewis, the organist of Gunnislake Parish Church, on Wednesday, July 10 at 1.15pm.