Best accessible classical / opera song to perform

Published on Friday 19 June 2009 21:51

NESSUN DORMA: Possibly the most famous aria ever, from Puccini's Turandot. Versatile and timeless, it is the ultimate audition song. Britain's Got Talent has seen probably 1,000 versions – from everyman singing sensation Paul Potts to this year's shocking counter-tenor (sounding like a cross between Potts and the Bee Gees), Gregg Pritchard.

I DREAMED A DREAM: From one of the most performed musicals of all time, Les Miserables. Immortalised by Su-Bo, Fantine's haunting account of her struggle is melancholy and full of meaning. The stirring music and sentimental lyrics give you plenty of ammunition.

THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT: If you don't know this one, you must have been born this millennium. Those of us with longer memories will associate the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic with a white mask, rose and the eerie Phantom of the Opera himself. This powerful number will get you not only the sympathy of the audience, but their vote.

AVE MARIA: Think Maria Callas, Katharine Jenkins, Andrea Bocelli. This Bach/Gounod version of the Latin Hail Mary is a favourite among opera and classical music singers and fans. Even if you don't make it through, you probably won't get booed off.

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE: Often belted out by football crowds, this moving song's been massive since its debut in the Don of classical musicals, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel, in the 1940s. Covered by everyone from Johnny Cash, Elvis and Russell Watson to Nina Simone, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Alicia Keys.

&#149 Scottish Opera presents Mozart's Cos Fan Tutte, Massenet's Manon and free tasters at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh until 27 June. www.scottishopera.org.uk