BARITONE Sir Thomas Allen sings with Cleveland Philharmonic Choir at Middlesbrough Town Hall later this month, in a personal tribute to the choir's former chairman who died last year.

The internationally renowned singer is one of the soloists in the performance of Brahms' German Requiem on Saturday, November 16. The event is supported by the D&S Times which has a pair of tickets to be won by answering the question at the bottom of this article

The Brahms' piece is one of Sir Thomas's favourites, and the concert celebrates the life of Stuart Everett, who was choir chairman for seven years after moving to Cleveland during his retirement from teaching. He inspired the young Thomas Allen to follow his interest in music at Ryhope Grammar School, in Sunderland. The young Thomas initially considered becoming a doctor but eventually chose music.

After leaving school, he kept in contact with Mr Everett and they became good friends.

Sir Thomas was born at Seaham Harbour and joined the Ryhope school's junior choir in 1957.

His teachers shared a strong interest in music. Two of them, Lew Williams, a former BBC singer, and Denis Weatherley, encouraged Sir Thomas to pursue his musical interest and have an audition at the Royal College of Music.

He said English teacher Stuart Everett was particularly inspiring. Passionate about both literature and music, he kept in touch with Tom as his singing career developed. They became great friends in later years.

Following his retirement, Mr Everett joined the Cleveland Philharmonia Choir after moving to Guisborough.

He also became a greatly respected choir chairman and held the post for seven years. He was renowned for his humour and gentle manner.

During that time, he asked Sir Thomas to become honorary chairman of the choir and was proud at his acceptance.

The Middlesbrough concert will also feature a performance by Thornaby-raised soprano Amanda Floyd. She recently sang at Covent Garden in Verdi's Macbeth and her mother is a member of Cleveland Philharmonic Choir.

The event is also supported by the accountancy firm Lishman, Sidwell, Campbell and Price, and Middlesbrough Council, and will be attended by civic leaders and MPs, plus representatives of musical organisations, members of Mr Everett's family, and former teaching colleagues.

Tickets details are available from the town hall box office on 01642 242561 or from choir secretary John Carter on 01642 656273.

To win a free pair of tickets, answer the following question:

Where was Sir Thomas Allen born?

Answers should be submitted on a postcard addressed to Cleveland Philharmonic Competition, D&S Times, 1, Priestgate, Darlington, County Durham DL1 1NF, to arrive by Monday, November 11