AN acclaimed European musician had double cause to celebrate during a return visit to the North-East yesterday.

Arvo Part had engagements at both Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral on a red-letter day.

The 70-year-old Estonian composer of choral and orchestral works was conferred with an honorary doctorate of music by university vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman in a ceremony in the Tunstall Chapel of the castle.

As part of the proceedings, members of the university's Chamber and Consort of Voices choirs performed a Part composition, Mother of God and Virgin, conducted by Professor Jeremy Dibble.

Later, his new composition, Most Holy Mother of God, a four-voice a cappella piece, written for the Hilliard Ensemble, was given its world premiere at a Durham Cathedral concert.

The Dean of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Sadgrove, last night described Mr Part, a frequent visitor to Durham, as: "One of the most distinguished composers of our time, whose contribution to contemporary sacred music is not only distinctive, but, I believe, enduring."

Mr Part first worked with the four-strong ensemble in 1985.