THE search is on for Darlington's best young singer to perform a solo at a Last Night of the Proms concert.

Youngsters aged 12 to 18 are invited to enter Music for Darlington's Young Soprano Competition 2004, supported by The Northern Echo and sponsored by Williams The Music People.

The winner will sing a solo at a Last Night of the Proms show, at the town's Dolphin Centre, on Saturday, May 15.

The runner-up will perform at a Promenade for Youth at the same venue the night before.

Last year's competition was won by Sanaz Lavasani, 17, from Kirklevington, near Yarm. Sanaz, a member of the Stagecoach group in Yarm, helped to launch this year's event.

Music for Darlington began in 1993 with a musical event at the Dolphin Centre to raise money for an Age Concern day centre.

Jane Bradshaw, from St Teresa's Hospice, which will benefit from the event, said: "From the very start, the bands, choral societies, choirs and soloists have all performed free of charge.

"Such commitment, and the support of our excellent sponsors, has enabled over £35,000 to go to our local charities, and to the Army Benevolent Fund and The Army Music Trust."

This year's Promenade for Youth will feature students from Carmel Technology College and Haughton Community School.

The Last Night of the Proms will feature the King's Division Waterloo Band, a massed choir from choral societies and choirs across the region, Tees Valley 2000 Pipes and Drums, and soloist Ann Tallis.

The programme will include the Dambusters March, Orpheus in the Underworld, Oliver, a medley of Northern songs, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, Highland Cathedral and Music Man.

Proceeds will go to St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington Mind and Corps of Army Music Trust.

Published: 07/02/2004