Renowned international soprano Patricia Rozario, OBE, has accepted an invitation to become President of the Reigate and Redhill Choral Society (RRCS).

The accomplished soprano, for whom the late Sir John Tavener wrote more than 30 thirty works, is to celebrate her appointment by giving an exclusive recital at Dunottar School in Reigate on Wednesday, January 29.

During the morning of the concert, Miss Rozario will host a workshop for students from Dunottar School as part of RRCS' Community Development Programme.

RRCS Music Director Peter Farrant said: "I am delighted and honoured that Patricia has accepted the appointment of President of Reigate and Redhill Choral Society.”

He said: "Following in the very large and iconic shoes of the late Sir Colin Davis CH OBE, I am convinced she will prove a tremendous asset to the choir, and I very much look forward to working closely with her in the future."

Born in Bombay, Miss Rozario has established a highly successful international career in opera, concert work, recording and broadcasting.

Her unique voice and artistry has inspired more than 15 of the world’s leading composers to write for her.

Her collaboration with Sir John Tavener has been hailed as unique in the contemporary field.

In fact, just a few days before the Reigate recital, Miss Rozario is to take part in a major Sir John Tavener celebration weekend of performances at St John's Smith Square in London.

The concert was planned before Sir John's death in November 2013 to coincide with what would have been his 70th birthday.

Miss Rozario's Reigate recital will take place in the Palladian Mansion Ballroom of Dunottar School and she will be accompanied by the French pianist Thomas Besnard.

The recital will include works by Benjamin Britten, Poulenc, Faure, Puccini, Liszt, Walton and Flanders and Swann.

A small number of Observer Workshop Tickets will be available for those wishing to gain an insight into Rozario's teaching by watching the morning session in progress in the ballroom between 10am and 1pm.

Demand for tickets has been high, but details of any availability can be found on the RRCS website at: www.rrcs.org.uk RRCS was founded in 1941 and under the direction of Mr Farrant has worked to meet objectives involving the surrounding community, mounting a variety of workshops, festivals, tours, recordings, education initiatives and partnerships.