Although a few of Mike Howard's criticisms of Russell Watson were valid, the review did not reflect the overall mood of the concert.

Russell has never professed to be an opera singer but that did not offend many of us who are opera lovers.

His interpretations of Neapolitan songs are extremely good and, having an Italian background, I should know.

It is true Faye Tozer was rather lost without Steps but Russell's other guest, Hayley Westenra, at 15 has a beautiful voice with great clarity and pitch. Everyone around me was saying: "Watch out, Charlotte Church."

Russell is a cheeky Northerner who has a great rapport with his audience. He calls himself an entertainer and, to thousands of us, that is what he most certainly is.

We came out into the inclement weather happy and satisfied. Is that not what music in all its various forms is about?

-Nina M Skinner, Lawrence Road, Hove