OPERA star Sir Thomas Allen will join more than 100 student musicians for a concert in Durham Cathedral at the weekend.

Sir Thomas, Durham University’s Chancellor and honorary patron of Durham Cathedral Choir Association, will perform alongside Durham University Chamber Choir and Durham University Symphony Orchestra, at 7.30pm on Saturday (June 1).

The performance will feature a selection of music from prominent English composers, including Sir William Walton and Benjamin Britten.

The finale will see Sir Thomas, the chamber choir and the orchestra perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs.

Sir Thomas said: “When I became Chancellor of Durham University, it was important to me to find some way of sharing my pleasure in music with as many students, staff and members of the wider community as possible.

“I am so happy this concert has been arranged, featuring music that is both beautiful and very special to me personally. I look forward to it immensely.”

Calum Zuckert, conductor of both the chamber choir and symphony orchestra, said: “It has been a real privilege to work with Sir Thomas, who has been very interested in all musical activity in and around the university.”

Tickets are £15 to £25, or £10 to £20 for concessions.

To book, visit www.dur.ac.uk/sirtominconcert or the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre, 7 Owengate, Durham, Tel: 0191-334 3805.