YORK mezzo soprano Jacqueline Edwards will be the guest soloist for Malton District Male Voice Choir’s sixth annual concert on May 18.

For the first time, it will be held in St Peter’s Church in Norton, already host to some of Ryedale Festival’s musical events.

Jacqueline is an accomplished pianist, teacher and musical events organiser as well as an opera singer.

She studied at the Royal College of Music and in Salzburg, Austria, and has appeared in oratorio and in concert throughout Britain, including most of London’s major concert venues.

Jacqueline has performed with Opera North, Glyndebourne Touring Opera, English Touring Opera, Wexford Festival Opera and Opéra du Nord in Lille and has sung on the radio and television with the BBC Singers.

“I’m delighted to sing with the Malton choir,” she said.

Choir chairman Tom Todd said: “We’re thrilled Jacqueline Edwards will come to us this year. If previous concerts and the growing local interest in opera are anything to go by – the Palace Cinema in Malton now has live satellite feeds of Royal Opera performances – then Jacqueline will find an appreciative audience here.”

The choir has booked a prominent classical singer for all six of its annual concerts since its formation in 2007 Last year’s soloist was Covent Garden mezzo soprano Kate McCarney and other guests have included oratorio singer Wendy Goodson and Ryedale Festival soprano Emily Smith.

The choir is led by accompanist and assistant musical director Vivien Wilcock.

“We are, however, seeking to appoint a new musical director, a paid position that would suit a conductor with choir or musical theatre experience,” said Tom.

The choir comprises singers of all ages and meets on Fridays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Malton Methodist Church in Saville Street.

Tom said: “We perform throughout Ryedale and have helped to raise thousands of pounds for charities. Our repertoire ranges from show songs and traditional songs to male choir classics.”

New members do not need previous singing experience and anyone interested in joining should call David Ackroyd on 01944 758693 or Tom Todd on 01653 692362 or visit the mdmvc.co.uk website.

The May 18 concert will start at 7.30pm and tickets will be available at £8 on the door.