A PROPERTY company is investing in a cultural project that will bring a world-renowned opera singer to the region.

Two opera concerts, sponsored by Durham's Rivergreen Developments, will take place over the May bank holiday weekend, to raise funds for local child health charity, The Children's Foundation.

The platinum-selling Latvian soprano, Inessa Galante, is appearing on stage with the Rotterdam Opera Choir, known as ROK, at Newcastle's City Hall on May 27 and in Durham Cathedral on May 28.

The cultural exchange came about as a result of a business relationship between Rivergreen managing director Peter Candler, and Dutch steel fabricator boss Gerard Saarberg, who is a member of the ROK choir.

Mr Candler said: "When I visited Rotterdam on business and heard the choir perform, I was inspired to bring them to the region and put them in front of a North-East audience.

"We are pleased to have been able to get involved in a project which deepens the relationship between art and business in the region.

For ticket information, contact The Children's Foundation on 0191-202 3018