THE combined chorus forces of Opera '74 and North West Opera will sing a concert performance of Verdi's opera La Traviata on Saturday at Bolton's Victoria Hall.

The prestigious event will feature American born soprano Isobella Baer-Lara who is jetting in for the concert from her home in Rome.

Saturday's concert follows a performance on Sunday at the Royal Northern College of music, Manchester. The musical director of both companies, Carl Penlington-Williams, is conducting.

Members of Opera '74 who were successful in auditioning for roles include Margaret Steel, who will sing the role of Violetta's maid, Annina, at the Manchester concert, and Sue Bradley who plays the same part in Bolton. Daniel Chadwick from Bolton makes his debut with Opera '74 in the part of Barone Douphol and Barrie Wright returns to play Dottore Grenvil, with Eric Cymbir as Guiseppe. Flora Bervoix, Violetta's friend will be sung by mezzo soprano Ailsa Cochrane. The starring role of Violetta will be played by American born soprano Isobella Baer-Lara, who is flying in for the concert from her home in Rome. The tenor role of the leading man, Alfredo Germont, will be performed by Australian, Paul Milosljevic, who was born in Tasmania. Paul who lives in the UK has performed with Opera North and taken part in an Opera in the Park concert. Tickets are £9, concessions £8, and under-16s and students £3 from the Opera '74 box office on 01204 847543, the Albert Halls Box Office on 01204 334400, and on the door. Further details are on www.opera74.co.uk