Opera singer Kira Slovacek has come from the USA to spend Christmas with her in-laws in Walton, and is generously going to sing at the Midnight Mass (Holy Communion) at Street Parish Church.

Half an hour of carol singing beginning 11 p.m. will lead up to the Communion at 11.30 on Christmas Eve. Kira will be singing three solos during that half hour: Jesu Bambino, an Italian Christmas song; Jesu, Joy of man's desiring, the well-known Bach tune, and Adolphe Adam's beloved 'O Holy Night.'

During the Communion Kira will sing Alleluia from Mozart's Exultate, iubilate, and Come unto him from Handel's Messiah.

When I asked to take a photo of Kira after rehearsal this morning, she insisted on a photo with me - so here are two pictures. Kira sounds as attractive as she looks!