AN OPERA singer who has made her name across the globe will be returning to her Teesside roots for a special homecoming performance.

Hailing from Yarm, mezzo soprano singer Anna Huntley will perform at Stokesley Methodist Church for Teesside Music Society in what will be her first North-East concert in years.

The Teesside performer studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music International Opera School where she won several prestigious awards that kicked off her operatic career.

Since then Miss Huntley has performed in major venues across London, such as Wigmore Hall, and across Europe and lived for a time in London then Vienna.

Now living in Berlin, Miss Huntley said she is looking forward to the chance to perform again in her hometown.

She said: “I travel back to the UK a lot and I sing quite regularly at the North York Moors Chamber Music Festival, but it’s been a long time since I have performed in Teesside.

“I grew up in Yarm and went to school in Stockton and Thornaby so I’m very keen to come back to the area and sing.”

Miss Huntley’s recital will explore ‘Women in Song’ and, accompanied by pianist Chris Glynn, will perform music from German composer Robert Schumann, in his tale of love and loss, and the mythology of Haydn’s secular cantata and several other pieces.

She said: “Our programme is going to be an entertaining one. The first half will be Schumann’s recital which follows the tragic story of a woman who falls in love.

“The second half is much more light-hearted with music from Brazil, Portugal, Spain and Argentina as well as some English folk songs. There will be something in it for everybody.

“There will be some real heartfelt songs and some full of drama. It’s quite an eclectic programme which everyone will enjoy.

“I don’t often get the chance to sing back home so it’s a real honour and a real thrill. I love that I have the chance to show family and friends and the region what I have been doing.”

The opera singer will be performing her recital at Stokesley Methodist Church on Sunday, November 10, at 7.15pm.

Tickets can be purchased on the door or in advance by calling Julia Haigh on 01642 711 618. More information can be found at teessidemusicsociety.weebly.com