TWO opera singing brothers from Chirk have revealed their excitement to be reuniting at a special concert in the town.
David (pictured) and Stewart Kempster will be teaming up with the chart-topping Voices of the Valley, the Fron Choir, for the charity event in the grounds of Chirk Castle on Sunday, June 12. The event will also feature as part of the Wrexham Year of Culture 2011 line-up.
It's a decade since David, a baritone, and bass Stewart, last performed together and they say they can't wait - especially as the event has been organised by their former Scout leader, Wrexham Council's Deputy Mayor, Cllr Ian Roberts.
Last week, David, who now lives in Kendal, Cumbria, said: "It's always good to drop back in on North Wales and it will be a real treat to work with my brother, Stewart, again. It's been far too long and of course I don't get much chance to get back to Chirk to be honest.
"As an opera singer I work away so much which is difficult when you have a young family."
The 41-year-old, who has performed around the world, added: "I have known Cllr Ian Roberts all my life and when he and his wife Hilary got in touch I was absolutely delighted to agree to come back to Chirk. It will be a fantastic night."
Stewart, 46, now lives in Scotland, but said he was thrilled to get the call from his brother asking if he was free for the event.
He said: "I jumped at the chance. David had had a call from Ian Roberts asking if he was free and wondering if David and I fancied performing together. Of course we jumped at the chance especially as it's at Chirk Castle.
"I'm also looking forward to working with the Fron Male Voice Choir. It's been more than 10 years since I last performed in Chirk."
Cllr Roberts, who lives in Chirk and has organised the event, said: "I wanted to celebrate Chirk and the surrounding area and thought of the Fron Male Voice Choir as many of the choir members originated from Chirk. Of course, I was absolutely delighted to sign up the Kempster brothers. It was lovely to hear from them again. I simply asked them to do me a favour and they had no hesitation in agreeing which is just wonderful.
"They were great lads when they were in the Cub Scouts all those years ago and it was obvious at a very early age that they were both hugely talented singers. I am immensely proud of how successful they are in their singing careers - and the fact that they are giving something back to the community here in Chirk," he added.
Ticket are priced at adults £12.50, concessions £9, family ticket (two adults two children) £35 and under 5s free. For tickets telephone Hilary Roberts 01691 773758 or call Wrexham Tourist Information on 01978 292015. Gates open 5.30pm with the concert commencing at 7.30 pm.