A MILFORD Haven opera star is to return to her home town on Saturday, May 9 to perform with the Wales International Academy of Voice at The Torch Theatre.

Established by renowned Welsh tenor Dennis O’Neill, the academy provides a highly specialised and unique environment for a small number of exceptional singers at the early stage of their career to develop their talent to the highest professional standards.

The singers have come from a diverse number of countries including New Zealand, Australia and Lithuania and have been taught by the very best coaches, language experts and vocal technicians.

One of the singers is Georgina Stalbow, who hails from Milford Haven. Recent operatic roles include Barbarina and First Bridesmaid in Swansea City Opera’s touring production of The Marriage of Figaro, and Peep-Bo in Co-Opera Co's touring production of The Mikado.

Georgina made her international debut at the Fondazione Cantiere Internazionale d'Arte in Montepulciano, Tuscany, singing Emmie in Britten’s Albert Herring directed by Keith Warner, and has since returned to sing Echo in Strauss’ Ariadne Auf Naxos, directed by Tilman Knabe, and Amore in Gluck’s Orfeo e Euridice, directed by Stefano Simone Pintor.

Georgina has also appeared as a soloist in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Richard II with David Tennant at the Barbican, London.

Georgina said: “It is such a pleasure for me to be able to return to my home town of Milford Haven at this stage in my life and my studies to perform with an selection of my peers from all over the world. It's an honour to be representing Dennis O'Neill and the Wales International Academy and to have the opportunity to perform at home in front of all my friends and family, the people who have supported and helped me so much along my journey to becoming a professional singer.”

Wales International Academy of Voice performs at The Torch Theatre on Saturday, May 9 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on The Torch website www.torchtheatre.co.uk or from the box office on 01646 695267.