MUSIC lovers were treated to two charity concerts from one of Europe's leading choirs over the weekend.

One hundred members of the Rotterdam Opera Choir, featuring internationally-renowned opera singer Inessa Galante, performed at Durham Cathedral on Saturday and Newcastle City Hall on Friday to raise money for the Children's Foundation.

The choir, founded in 1923, performed classical works by Puccini and Verdi, as well as favourites such as Summer Time and Jerusalem

Children's Foundation chief executive Barbara Gubbins said: "It was the most magical experience in the cathedral setting. It made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up."

The visit was organised by Peter Candler, managing director of Rivergreen Developments, based in Durham. Mr Candler persuaded the Thompson Building Centres group to sponsor the event, with backing from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Durham County Council and HSBC.

Their support means all the proceeds can be donated to the Children's Foundation.