A YOUNG North-East opera singer is to appear on stage with international classical stars in the latest public Masterclass from the region's music charity Samling.

Soprano Rowan Pierce, who hails from Saltburn and is a student at the Royal College of Music, is one of eight emerging artists taking part in Samling Artist Programme.

The week-long masterclass course brings together singers and pianists at the start of their careers with world-class professional artists, teachers and experts.

It culminates in a public Masterclass and Concert at Sage Gateshead on Saturday February 27, during which the Samling Artists receive tuition from internationally-renowned singers Ann Murray and Olaf Bär, and Royal Opera House pianist Caroline Dowdle.

Rowan was one of over 120 highly talented young singers to attend Samling’s auditions last year, successfully winning one of only 12 places available on Samling Artist Programme.

The singer was an Academy participant in 2012 and also sang starring roles in the Samling Academy Opera productions of Albert Herring in 2013 and L’enfant et les sortilèges last year - both of which were performed at Saltburn Community Theatre.

She said: “I feel very proud to have come from an area where music and my profession are taken so seriously and looked after with so much care.”

The Masterclass is held from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Sage Gateshead, with the 45-minute Concert later the same day at 5.15pm. Tickets for the afternoon are £15 (concessions £13 /students £5). Box office 0191-443 4661.