One night only

Armed with a microphone, a grand piano, a six-man band and two backup singers, American soul diva Roberta Flack transformed the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre concert venue into an intimate lounge affair.

Performing to a 4,000-strong seated crowd on Valentine's Day, the enigmatic 66-year-old songstress mesmerised all with her smooth, sweet voice.

Wooing the crowds with some of the most beautiful love songs in the musical history of balladry, couples in the audience surely fell in love again while others fell in love with her.

Taking the audience on a nostalgic, personal journey, Flack and her talented troupe delivered more than 20 songs mirroring her life.

The journey began with her memories of growing up in North Carolina, a nod at jazz great Duke Ellington to reminiscing about her friend and former neighbour John Lennon.

There was even a taste of what is to come on her new album due out later this year.

Poised with confidence, beauty and class, Flack performed with grace.

Having released a barrage of classic hits since her debut album First Take in 1969, she delighted the audience with favourites such as Killing Me Softly With His Song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and The Closer I Get To You, with impressive backup vocalist Tony Terry.

Dressed in a sparkling dark blue top and long aqua skirt - an outfit that seemed to match her crop of caramel-coloured curls and gorgeous red lips - she moved elegantly across the stage, switching effortlessly from crooning in front of her band to playing with them on the piano.

She worked hard to charm her audience who, in typical Hong Kong fashion, needed to shake off their chilly demeanour that was stiffer than the evening's cool winter air.

Her sense of humour worked in her favour. 'Do you remember the last time I was here?' she asked. 'I do. I had such a wonderful time. I spent so much money.'

The only disappointment was seeing audience members leave when her performance hit the two-hour mark. Maybe they were rushing home to make love? Whatever the reason, it was rude and embarrassing to such a gracious host.