A north-east classical composer will travel to New York this week to perform his “sacred work” with singers from across the world.
Paul Mealor, a professor of music at Aberdeen University, will team-up with 300 vocalists who will sing his epic Stabat Mater piece at the legendary Carnegie Hall.
And among those in attendance on the night will be members of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who will repeat the performance at a memorial concert for crews who lost their lives in 9/11 attacks.
Professor Mealor, who has worked at Aberdeen University since 2003, described the opportunity to perform in the landmark venue as a “dream”.
He said: “I was invited by the fabulous organisation, Distinguished Concerts International New York, to be the featured composer at their February concert.
“I was amazed and delighted – Carnegie Hall is a dream for any musician.
“I never thought I’d be there for an entire concert of my music.
“Choirs from all over the world are coming to join together to sing my sacred work, Stabat Mater.
“The Cheshire firefighters will then sing this work with their New York counterparts at the 9/11 memorial in memory of all the firefighters who died during that terrible attack on the US.”
The distinguished composer came to worldwide recognition when his piece Ubi Caritas Amor was performed at Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding in 2011.
Later that year his album A Tender Light topped the classical music charts.
When he gets to New York he will only have a short time to prepare with the singers who he will perform with, but he is confident everything will be alright on the night.
Prof Mealor said: “A small gin and tonic might be needed.
“I think the whole event will seem very surreal.
“I’m both anxious and excited. It’s a moment of a lifetime for me.”