Internationally renowned metropolitan opera star, Victoria Livengood, will lend her mezzo-soprano voice to raise funds for the restoration of Jamaica's historic Ward Theatre. She will perform at 'Christmas Echoes', which will be staged at the Bank of Jamaica auditorium on Sunday, December 14.

The concert, which is being hosted by the Ward Theatre Foundation, will be under the patronage of Olivia Grange, minister of information, culture, youth and sports. It will also feature Jamaican tenor, Rory Baugh, Roger Williams and Touch of Elegance, featuring Paulette Bellamy, Dr Carol Ball and Alex Martin Blanken.

Multifaceted, powerful performances

Livengood is a Grammy-nominated mezzo soprano who has been hailed by audiences and critics worldwide for her multifaceted and powerful performances in a remarkably varied repertoire.

She emerged on to the opera scene in 1985 as a winner of the Metropolitan Open National Council auditions, and later won international competitions, including the Rosa Ponsell, Luciano Pavarotti and George London competitions.

Since then, she has won critical acclaim for dynamic portrayals in more than 100 performances, including Carmen, which won her praise for "passionate acting and powerful vocalism".