Four of the finest voices around are coming together for a summer celebration of opera.

A highlight will be the first public performance of a 50-minute version of La Boheme, considered by many to be Puccini’s finest score.

Following a champagne reception, the second half of the show will feature songs from West End shows including My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, the Merry Widow and the Sound of Music.

The concert has been arranged in aid of the Canterbury Festival Foundation, which supports young musicians setting out on their professional careers.

Stars of the show will be American baritone Mark Walters, Polish soprano Natasha Day, Adriano Graziani from Italy, via Wales, and England’s Lynsey Docherty, who, with Mark, is producing the programme.

Festival president Peter Williams said: “This is a starry cast. They are friends who come together occasionally to make music and we’re fortunate they have extended their stay.”

The performance is at Canterbury’s Gulbenkian Theatre, on Sunday, August 23. Tickets £35 at www.canterburyfestival.co.uk.