Students of internationally renowned singer and vocal coach to hold concert for South Cleveland Heart Fund

An internationally renowned singer and vocal coach will put her students to the test at a concert to support the South Cleveland Heart Fund.

Students taught by Miranda Francis, who has performed for Nelson Mandela and the Duke of Kent at Marlborough House, will gather to perform at St Joseph’s Church in Norton on Saturday May 9.

And proceeds from the event will go to the fund, which aims to raise £1m to replace an MRI scanner and replace another one - helping to keep Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital cardiothoracic unit at the leading edge of advances of care.

Miranda, originally from South Africa but an adopted Teessider of 38 years, said: “It is such an important cause, I really wanted to be a part of it and help out.

“Heart problems can affect anyone. In fact one of our singers recently collapsed while playing golf.

“This is a chance for family and friends as well as interested members of the public, to support the students as they demonstrate their skills and also encourages some of our less experienced solo singers to learn to perform in a larger space and to a live audience.

“It helps them to select their repertoire and also gives them much more confidence. Hopefully we will get a good response to our invitation to both support the students and to raise funds for the South Cleveland Heart Fund.”

Opera singer Miranda Francis with Dr Adrian Davies

Miranda, who lives in Norton, hopes this is the first of a series of events this year in support of the fund.

She continued: “Compered by another well–known musician, David Beall, this event will be a variety concert given the ages and abilities of my students. There will be songs from musicals, light classics and light opera in the form of duets, trios, quartets and solo pieces.”

Dr Adrian Davies, chairman of South Cleveland Heart Fund, said: “We are grateful to everyone who helps us to support our target, and I thank Miranda for staging this event.

“Once we raise the money we need, that’s it, we are there and we can keep the excellent staff we have and move on to become an MRI centre which is fantastic for the hospital, and for our patients.”

Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7pm, cost £8 can be purchased at the door and will include refreshments.

They can be booked through Miranda on 01642 550497 or Jacqui Taylor on 01642 890383.