YOUNG mezzo soprano Rachel Bird was among five musicians to perform a private concert for royalty this week.

The talented 18-year-old from Hexham, who has just begun studying music at Durham University, sang for the Duke of Gloucester at Matfen Hall.

The concert was also attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Northumberland, the Duchess of Northumberland; Matfen Hall owners Sir Hugh and Lady Blackett; and Samling trustees and supporters, including Lyn Shears, of The Shears Foundation.

Rachel sang alongside sopranos Ana Fernández Guerra and Zoë Jackson, baritone Benjamin Laxton and bass-baritone Patrick Owston – all members of the Samling Academy.

They were accompanied by award-winning pianist and Samling artist Ian Tindale, one of the country’s most promising young accompanist.

Speaking after the concert on Tuesday, Rachel said: “It was absolutely fantastic. I was a bit nervous but when we finally got there it was great to sing alongside some of my friends and a real privilege to sing for the duke.

“We all did a solo, then there was a duet and at the end we all sang a Mozart piece together. I sang O Waly Waly, a Benjamin Britten arrangement of a traditional folk song.

“Afterwards the duke came up to all of us and said he had really enjoyed the performance, which was really nice of him.”

Samling’s founding artistic and executive director, Karon Wright, added: “It was wonderful for our Samling Academy Singers to receive such a supportive and warm welcome at Matfen Hall. And I’m delighted that we were given the opportunity to further showcase some of the incredible young classical singers we are supporting through Samling Academy here in the North-East.”

The Samling artist programme, an intensive residential masterclass programme led by world-class artists, teachers and experts, attracts outstanding young singers and pianists from around the world.

There are now more than 300 Samling artists and many go on to forge impressive international careers.

Tickets are still available for the 2017 Samling Academy Concert which will feature Rachel on Sunday 29 October, 7.30pm, at Sage Gateshead.