Grimethorpe Colliery Band has announced that they are to sign up two new sopranos for their forthcoming Christmas concert series.

The British Open champion will join forces with the Opera Babes — otherwise known as mezzo soprano Karen England and soprano Rebecca Knight, for a series six 'Brassed Off at Christmas' concerts in November and December.

Award winning duo

Grimethorpe Director of Music, Dr Robert Childs told 4BR that he was delighted to be able to link up with the award winning duo.

"The Opera Babes have been worldwide artists ever since they provided the ITV television theme for the 2002 World Cup — so to finally work with them for this series is a brand new musical departure for the band."

Their albums have sold over 2 million copies and their unique brand of crossover classical repertoire is sure to thrill our audiencesDr Robert Childs

Crossover

He added: "Their albums have sold over 2 million copies and their unique brand of crossover classical repertoire is sure to thrill our audiences.

We can't wait — and we are sure the concerts with their traditional audience favourites and popular Yuletide themes to go with what Grimethorpe does best will be a fantastic musical experience."