Chelsea Coyne, the dynamic singing sensation who has charmed Calcutta in the past with her dramatic personality and versatile musical repertoire, was here again earlier this month. In a series of programmes titled All That Jazz, she collaborated with the pianist, Jennifer Heemstra, and entertained audiences at several venues, such as Kala Mandir and The Hyatt Regency. Together the musicians presented popular jazz standards, Broadway hits and familiar opera favourites.

They began with the title song from the film Chicago, and treated the audience to "I Feel Pretty" from Bernstein's West Side Story, "Summertime" from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, the Habanera from the opera, Carmen, and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" from Evita. These five dramatically contrasting songs aptly displayed Coyne's vocal artistry and Heemstra's pianistic brilliance.

Also on the set list were some wonderful standards. The musicians presented the poignant " I'll Be Seeing You" by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal, Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin", Pete and Keeley's " Black Coffee" and the fingersnapping "Fever". Coyne has an amazing variety of interpretations. The combined talent of the two gifted artists, who also provided the audience with information laced with humour and charm, must be lauded. They also performed " Sooner or Later" from Dick Tracy, " Maybe This Time" from Cabaret and " La Vie en Rose". Finally, to bring the house down, they presented the ever-popular "The Girl in 14G".

This was not all; Coyne and Heemstra also performed at two schools in interactive concerts. At the Newtown School on July 4, they sang " The Star Spangled Banner"; at the Calcutta International School on July 6 they performed songs by American composers for a rapt audience.

The Health Fair this season - a vital part of the Kolkata Classics Club's musical presentations - was held at Uttam Mancha; there was music, dance and also dental care, owing to the Indian Dental Association. The Kolkata Classics Club, Heemstra and her generous musical collaborators proved once again that music makes the world go round.