A CHOIR of 100 pupils from four Blackburn primary schools has been rehearsing prior to taking the stage alongside an international opera star and a world-famous brass band.

Taking place on Sunday, October 16, at King George’s Hall at 4pm, with an hour of outdoor entertainment outside Blackburn Town Hall from 3pm, the Rhapsody will draw together musical forces to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The 70-strong Blackburn People’s Choir is central to the performance, alongside 100 school children from Intack, Ashleigh, Cedars and Lower Darwen primary schools coming together to form a choir.

Joining them on stage is the world-renowned Brighouse and Rastrick Band from the West Ridings of Yorkshire, while Chorley-born soprano Amanda Roocroft, who has graced the stages of the world’s greatest opera houses, will provide solos.

Also featured in the Rhapsody is Jonathan Aasgaard, the principal cellist of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and leading tabla player Kuljit Bhamra, one of the leading figures in the UK’s Bhangra scene.

A Rhapsody to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is a celebration of the history, people and stories of the canal through music, using as its departure point a series of poems specially written by celebrated Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan.

The canal was officially opened in Blackburn in October 1816 when, for the first time, the journey could be made from the coalfields of Yorkshire, through the weaving mills of Lancashire to the port of Liverpool.

Producer Ian Brownbill, who has been overseeing the project said: “It’s a wonderful musical celebration of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and is a truly unique event.

“There won’t be another occasion this year where you can hear this combination and class of choirs, soloists and musicians in one concert.

“The Rhapsody represents a coming together of different forms that perfectly reflects the communities and stories along the canal over the past 200 years.”

Mr McMillan said: “I’m looking forward very much to the culmination of this collaboration made from words and music and water.

“It will float like a canal boat, sing like a harmony.”

The Rhapsody runs for about 80 minutes and is formed of many contrasting sections, each running into the next.

Sometimes the different choirs will take the limelight, at other times the soloists will perform.

Interspersed throughout are sections where the narrators contribute a vital onward narrative flow to the Rhapsody.

Tickets are available now and are priced at £15 for adults and £7.50 for concessions from King George’s Hall’s website or by calling 0844 847 1664.