THE internationally acclaimed Morriston Orpheus Choir will visit Ross-on-Wye on Saturday, February 24 to give a concert in St Mary's Church at 7.30pm. The concert will be in support of the Mayor's Project.

This world famous Welsh choir, which has recently returned from a tour of New Zealand, has never given a public concert in Ross-on-Wye and is looking forward to this visit.

Their musical director, Alwyn Humphreys, was awarded the MBE in the recent New Year's Honours List for his services to music and has been with the choir since 1979.

The choir's guests for the evening are two professional singers who are local to Ross-on-Wye and well known nationally.

Emma Plain, soprano, began her career with the Welsh National Opera in Cardiff as a junior singer and has a fine soprano voice. Since moving to Ross-on-Wye five years ago she has taken part in many local concerts. Some of her most recent work has been on Radio 4, taking voice parts in radio plays and music. She took the part of Ellen in Peter Grimes with the Finnish Opera in Helsinki; and in November last year she worked with Kenny Ball and His Jazz Men.

David Watkin-Holmes, tenor, comes from Herefordshire and sang with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain before studying both at the Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Birmingham Conservatoire, winning the Mario Lanza Opera Prize and the St Claire Barfield Memorial Bowl for operatic distinction.

The accompanist for the evening is Tim Virgo who is organist at St Mary's Church and is a well-known piano teacher locally.

This concert is the second in a series in support of the Mayor's Project, which is to raise funds for St Michael's Hospice and Ross Community Hospital. The Mayor, Councillor Mrs Peggy Fisher, is delighted that such a distinguished choir is visiting Ross.

Tickets are on sale at Ross Tourist Information Centre, the Hospice Shop and Ross Records. Tickets will also be available on the door.

Further information and telephone bookings are on 01989 564953.