A GROUP of Darlington sixth formers have returned from European music tour in which they staged three concerts in three different countries.

The 38 students, all aged between 16 and 18 and studying at the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, were based in the Dutch town of Valkenburg for the duration of their visit, with their first concert held in the Basilica of Our Lady in Maastricht.

Their second concert was in Germany in the romantic setting of Stolberg Castle while their grand finale was in the church of St Jacques in Liège, Belgium.

The repertory performed was diverse and they gave the premiere of a new edition of the ‘Solemn Dirge’ for Romeo and Juliet, by the Newcastle-composer, Charles Avison.

The Rock Choir performed a selection of songs by Katie Perry, Madonna, David Guetta and Bryan Adams, while the Jazz Ensemble played a Lion King medley and versions of Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World and Gershwin’s Foggy Day.

In addition, the student band, ‘Retronym’ performed a number of pop songs.

Student Will Kirton summed up the group’s thoughts on the visit.

He said: “It was a fantastic experience.

“Friends were made, music was enjoyed by those performing and listening and, given the opportunity, I would love to go again.”

The tour was such a success that music teachers Simon Fleming and Steve McGarvie are planning another in 2016 to the Czech city of Prague.