THE lunchtime concerts at St Andrew and St George United Reformed Church, St George's Road, Bolton, organised by Borough Organist Brian Smith are proving popular.

This Thursday , Brian will be joined by mezzo soprano Gillian Capper, pictured left.

Gillian, from Worsley, began her solo singing career at the aged of 14 and won prizes at many local music festivals.

She won a scholarship to Leeds University and studied voice under Jean Allister. He university solo rules included Cherubino in Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and Annio in La Clemnza di Tito with the Leeds Symphony Orchestra in the Mozart bicentennial celebrations.

Gillian has sung in many Messiahs and other oratorios, notably with the North Yorkshire Chorus and Wakefield Choral Society. In June 1995, at Birmingham Symphony Hall, she sang Rule Britannia as part of the International Yamaha Showcase.

Since graduation, Gillian has been teaching piano and voice as well as managing the Yamaha Music School in Altrincham. She is now studying voice with Margaret Lindsay. The concert is from 12.45 to 1.30 pm and light refreshments are available from 12.15 pm.

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