A SPECIAL one-off performance is planned at Longborough Festival Opera next week.

After weeks of working hard in the chorus at the Cotswold opera venue, a group of young singers is taking the limelight on Monday.

The chorus is made up of music college students and those on their way there, as well as those who are talented singers who just sing for fun.

This is the second year the members have been given a chance to step into the spotlight and on Monday, July 25, they will be performing Dido and Aeneas along with some other favourite scenes from other operas.

The performers include Benedict Nelson and Aiden Smith who are currently studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Louise Lloyd, a student at Birmingham Conservatoire.

Accompanying the youngsters will be a string quartet as well as the Tan House singers who will be taking part in Dido and Aeneas.

Director for the event in Maria Jagusz who, as well as organising the chorus, is also starring as Hansel in Hansel and Gretel at Longborough this season.

A spokesperson said: "This will be the second time that the chorus has stepped into the spotlight and if last year's response is anything to go by, it should be a thoroughly enjoyable evening providing the chance to watch some stars of the future."

The concert starts at 6.30pm with an extended interval to allow time for a picnic in the grounds. For tickets, contact Victoria Jess on 01285 720248 or on 07749 443729.