A WITNEY choir has returned after a five-day trip performing in Italy.

Members of Voice Box were the guests of the local community in Castello Tesino, where the choir performed in two concerts with a local group earlier this month.

Voice Box musical director Lesley Morris said: “It was an opportunity we could not miss.

“The chance not only to travel to Italy as a group but also to sing with a highly talented choir over there was something we shall remember for a long time.

“The local male voice choir, Coro Lagorai, is extremely talented – and it proved a wonderful experience for us all, because singing transcends all cultures and is a unifying force.”

Members of the choir were guests of the deputy mayor, Livio Gecele, and were treated to meals, excursions and events such as wine tasting, an Alpine mountain walk and a trip to a museum by their Italian hosts.

Organiser Frances Pike said: “The whole trip was made possible by the people of the town and the local authorities who paid for transport and did all they could to help.

“I was delighted to present Voice Box to this warm and friendly Italian community and the performances at the concerts in Castello Tesino and Borgo were superb.”

Italian coordinator Giuseppe Marchetto added: “Everything was wonderful. The choir, Voice Box, sang so beautifully and we will always remember their visit with great warmth and affection.”

For further information visit voiceboxchoir.co.uk