RENOWNED opera star Sir Willard White is to take time out from a glittering list of engagements to sing in Ilkley.

The baritone has been feted at the world's great opera houses, concert halls and music festivals during his long and illustrious career.

Now he is to appear at the King's Hall and Winter Garden - fitting the performance in between international engagements.

Jamaican born Sir Willard has been described as one of the best loved and most versatile opera stars of the last 40 years.

Geoff Mogridge, secretary of the Friends of the King's Hall and Winter Garden said: "We are delighted that Sir Willard has kindly agreed to perform at the King's Hall in between his engagements at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the Salzburg Festival".

Some Enchanted Evening with Sir Willard White will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 30, and will feature the singer in lighter vein. The programme will be made up of old American songs and favourites from the shows such as If I were a Rich Man (Fiddler on the Roof), I Got Plenty of Nothin' (Porgy and Bess), Gabriel, Blow (Anything Goes), Ol Man River (Showboat) and Some Enchanted Evening (South Pacific).

Sir Willard's many recordings include Porgy and Bess with Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. His numerous appearances at the BBC Proms since 1980 have included the televised First and Last Nights. In 1990, the versatile artist played the title role in Shakespeare's Othello for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Some Enchanted Evening with Sir Willard White will be dedicated to the memory of Jim Horsley, founder-chairman of the Friends of the King's Hall and Winter Garden.

Tickets cost from £19 to £26 and will be on sale at Ilkley Visitor Information Centre. Telephone 01943 602319 from February 22.