MEMBERS of the Brixi Singers of Bolton went on international tour -- hitting the high notes in Brittany and Normandy.

The choir of 20 singers performed under the direction of Richard Lea, who is the organist at Liverpool Roman Catholic Cathedral.

Accompanist Nicholas Rimmer entertained audiences playing both organ and piano pieces. Nicholas, who was a finalist in the 2000 Young Musician of the Year Competition, is now an organ scholar at Cambridge and was sponsored on the tour by Bolton solicitors, Kippax Beaumont Lewis. The tour began on an unconventional note with an open air concert for the tourists at Mont St Michel -- with Nicholas accompanying with the keyboard balanced on his knees.

Following that success, further triumphs were enjoyed in the fishing village of St Briac Sur Mer, and in the Cathedral, Saint Pierre, in the city of Rennes, where the Haydn Mass was performed. The choir's rendition of Bruchner's Ave Marie and Tchaikovsky's Dostoino Yest brought spontaneous applause from the capacity congregation.

A standing ovation was enjoyed in the Norman town of Falaise, birthplace of William the Conquerer. The final concert was in Rouen, the ancient capital of Normandy, at the Eglise St Maclous.

Soloists were Paul chamberlain, David Griffiths, Eleanor Hill and Alison Thompson, all performing in Rejoice the Lamb by Britten. Susie Riley was soloist for the Benedictus in the Haydn Mass.

The singers will stage a performance of the tour concert on September 22 at St Paul's Church, Deansgate, Bolton in aid of the Samaritans.

Further details are from 01204 407234.