AN OPPORTUNITY to see and hear eight of the most talented singers in the country perform alongside the world-famous Barnsley Youth Choir is coming next weekend.

The National Youth Choir of Great Britain Fellowship - eight members all aged 22 to 25 - will be performing over two days including their own intimate concert, as well as performances with Barnsley’s own highly-regarded youth choir.

Luke Mather, 23, is one of the leaders behind BYC, musical director of its sister choir Barnsley Singers, and is a member of the prestigious Fellowship - the ‘cream’ of the 1,000-strong National Youth Choir.

Mat Wright, BYC musical director, said: “We’re lucky to have Luke here in Barnsley as he is extremely talented. He sings with the fellowship which is incredibly prestigious. It’s very rare to get them performing up here in Barnsley and it’s a fantastic opportunity to hear them.

“All over the world people know and respect this group, and to have them work with and perform with our kids is just amazing, I just want people to come along and see it.”

They will be involved in three performances at Emmanuel Church, Huddersfield Road, next weekend. The first, next Friday June 29, is at 7.30pm when the Fellowship will give their own solo performance.

The following afternoon at 3pm they will perform with the BYC Children’s Choir, then at 7pm next Saturday, June 30, there will be a concert at 7pm featuring the Fellowship, BYC Intermediate and BYC Senior choirs.

“They’re also going to be doing workshops with our own young singers, which is just incredible,” added Mat.

For tickets for any of the performances, call 07542 169074.