Yesterday morning's rehearsal studied the bridesmaids' presentation to the Countess - no intended bridesmaids here, but of course the scene includes the bashful Cherubino trying out his female disguise and finding it an excuse once again to approach his beloved Countess. We were debating whether our new edition from Lisbon was correct in giving the solo line to Cherubino - it's not often a singer talks out of performing a role but our Portuguese soprano Joana Seara, playing Cherubino, graciously gave up this number in favour of Cecchina (a.k.a Barbarina - or Fanchette in Beaumarchais). So our youngest singer, Caroline Kennedy, found herself unexpectedly in the rehearsal studio limelight with an extra solo (sadly, there is no "L'ho perduta" aria in our version for Cecchina/Barbarina). From left to right in the rehearsal photo are Joana Seara, Susan Moore, Sian Winstanley and Caroline Kennedy.