AN INTERNATIONAL opera star is about to meet the music teacher who helped set him on his career.

Geoffrey Balson, of Colne Road, Burnley, used to teach the young Andrew Shore at high school in Oldham about 30 years ago.

Since then he has followed the career of his former pupil who has gone on to sing all over the world and to be recognised as probably Britain's finest buffo - comic - baritone.

They will meet when Andrew Shore sings at Barrowford next Saturday, October 19, to help raise money for Pendle Civic Junior Choir's trip to Canada next year.

Mr Balson is a champion of youth music and has conducted the Lancashire Student Concert Band for 25 years.

He works as a schools' music inspector and is also a church organist.

Junior Choir conductor David Wilkinson, who used to sing with Mr Shore in Kent Opera, said: "Geoffrey was very interested to hear that Andrew had offered to sing for us.

"He actually gave Andrew his first operatic role in a school production. Andrew has always acknowledged the encouragement Geoffrey gave him."

Mr Shore is currently starring in the Barber of Seville and Wozzeck, by Berg, with Opera North.

When he sings at St Thomas' he intends to concentrate on the lighter side of opera, and in one novelty item will serenade a kipper.

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