THE NORTH-EAST’S regional choir is preparing to travel to Canada for a week’s residency in the Rocky Mountains.

Quay Voices will be recording a CD of North-East and Canadian folk songs as well as performing in a concert at the Rolston Recital Hall, at the Banff Centre, in Banff, on Friday, February 21.

Run by Sage Gateshead, Quay Voices presents its members with the chance to work with leading musicians and choir trainers.

The Banff Centre is one of the largest arts, cultural and educational institutions in the world.

Jacqui Cameron, Sage Gateshead’s Young Musicians Programme Manager, said: “Although many young people attend courses at the Banff Centre each summer, the centre also provides creative space for professional artists during the winter months.

“I’m really thrilled Quay Voices have been accepted for a short winter residency and am sure the young musicians will gain a lot from the experience.”

Chris Brown, member of Quay Voices, said: “I’m so excited to be going, it's going to be an absolutely amazing experience with a fantastic team in a totally stunning country with a fabulous musical culture.

“I can't wait to impress the locals with both Canadian and North-East folk songs. An experience I will never forget.”

Quay Voices has recently enjoyed performances with the King Singers, Simon Halsey, National Youth Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia and Vasily Petrenko.

The choir has performed twice at the BBC Proms, in the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall.

Members of Quay Voices come from across the region– from as far south as York and as far north as the Borders.