THE Pearl Of Africa Children’s Choir will perform a fundraising concert at the Grand Opera House, York, on Saturday, October 2, in support of the Molly & Paul Childcare Foundation in Kampala.

The choir’s members are some of the 1.5million Ugandan children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, disease and war and are being cared for in schools funded by the foundation.

Their performance will be a “highly visual mix of traditional African music, dance and drumming, with heart-felt dramatisation” on a British tour that will combine performances with school workshops.

Two York community choirs will take part in the 7.30pm concert too: Millegro York Contemporary Choir and York City Gospel Choir.

Millegro’s 60 members enjoy an “honest opportunity for artistic expression through the simple joy of singing”, guided by experienced musicians Ewa Salecka and Greg Birch; the 40-strong York City Gospel Choir combines traditional and contemporary gospel under the direction of Kofi and Heather Mensah, who draw on musical talent from the many communities and churches in and around York.

All proceeds from the evening will go directly to the Molly & Paul Childcare Foundation, whose fund-raising gives thousands of children the chance of a brighter future.

Tickets are available at £16 on 0844 847 2322 or at grandoperahouseyork.org.uk