Not many ladies of 85 can hope for a standing ovation when they walk into a room but when you are a legend like Omara Portuondo, it’s expected.

Brighton Dome Concert Hall erupted when the tiny bird-like singer made her way onto the stage to join her compatriots in the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club for their Adios Tour.

The Cuban musicians rediscovered over 16 years ago have toured the world bringing their ebullient, evocative music to a whole new audience.

The exuberant joy of salsa and merengue capture a Cuba when the island was a playground for rich Americans and the traditional Cuban music was played by big bands in lavish nightclubs.

Now on their farewell tour, the orquesta paid tribute to the members of Buena Vista Social Club who have since died.

Portuondo’s rich deep voice belies her fragile figure but can still send shivers down the spine. A star all her life in Cuba and the US – she used to perform with Nat King Cole - she entranced with her cheeky salsa dancing or a flick of a hand to say we could stand up and dance at last.

As a farewell show, Omara and her pals left the audience rediscovering their salsa hips and longing for more. Adios to a Cuban legend and we’ll be waiting for the comeback tour.