‘Divine' diva Natalie Choquette returns to the Bermuda Festival stage tonight by popular acclaim for the first of three consecutive performances at City Hall Theatre.

Appearing for the first time last year, the Montreal native thrilled local audiences with her incomparable combination of a fine, operatic voice and her zany interpretations of famous operatic arias.

Blessed with a rich, textured voice; an innate sense of the ridiculous; spot-on timing; a charming manner and striking appearance, Ms Choquette is a delightful, mesmerising performer.

Taking her first singing lessons at age 15, she moved on to Russia where she auditioned at the Moscow Conservatory, and took private lessons from Mme Gromova, a regular singer at the Stanislavsky Theatre. Since teacher and student had only French in common, much of their communication was through body language - invaluable training for the young singer's powers of observation. Ms Choquette's comic routine was influenced by her gymnast instructor, where acrobatic movement, headstands and balance helped fine-tune her later performances.

Armed with a technique rooted in discipline and sheer physical strength, the singer took that traditional training and made it her own. Today, she stands centre stage and reaches to enthralled audiences eager to participate in her wacky, zany world of “Opera”.

Performances begin at 8 p.m. For ticket information visit the Festival box office in the ferry terminal building on Front Street between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For general inquiries during those hours call 292-8572. For ticket sales call 296-5774 or visit website www.bermudafestival.com