A TOWN’S First World War memorial concert will be headlined by a New York Metropolitan Opera singer.

Emily Cobley will perform in the North-East for the first time tomorrow (Saturday, October 18), at St Joseph’s Church in Tow Law, County Durham.

The New Yorker's career highlights include singing at the city's famous Carnegie Hall and performing for Bill and Hillary Clinton in 2008.

The opera singer will perform 14 songs during the concert, most of which are from the First World War era.

It was organised by David Golightly, a classical music composer from Tow Law, who is thrilled Mrs Cobley is headlining.

“I have been very lucky that Emily has agreed to perform at the concert, it’s great for the people of Tow Law to have such a talented singer perform here.

“You don’t have to know much about classical music to understand the singing and enjoy the performance. It’s going to be quite an emotional evening.”

Mrs Cobley said she loves the North-East and is honoured to be part of the town’s First World War commemorations.

“When David asked me to perform at the concert I was delighted because I had been here before and I love this area. It’s very open and friendly,” she said.

The accomplished singer moved to England with her husband a few years ago, and together they live near Manchester, where Mrs Cobley teaches university students.

She added: “I’m very pleased to be part of the commemorations. The concert has been beautifully put together. Some of it is hard to sing without getting choked up.”

Bob Chilton, a resident accompanist for a North-East male voice choir, will accompany Mrs Hobley.

He has been practising for the concert for two hours every day and said: “I had never met Emily or heard her sing before today, and I think she is absolutely fantastic.

“When you combine the piano with the voice it can do wonders, tomorrow we will make a little bit of magic.”

School children from John Duckett RC School in Tow Law have also contributed to the concert with poems and model displays inspired by the war.

Mr Golightly added: “We are so grateful to Emily and Bob and everyone else who has helped organise this event. It is a great way to remember the fallen of Tow Law.”

The concert begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £5, available on the door or by contacting Terry Hall on 01388-763430.