THREE European opera stars paid the region s secondary schools a virtual visit in partnership with a Hexham-based arts charity. Samling Institute for Young Artists - working alongside three Music Education Hubs in the region - introduced the world-renowned trio of Louise Alder, Milan Siljano and Nicky Spence to eight students in the area to provide masterclasses in classical singing and opera. Louise, who currently appears in the Vienna State Opera and has previously won the BBC Cardiff Singer of the Year in 2017, worked with Hexham teenager Martha Cook on a Mozart aria to help her improve her skills as well as giving advice to several students during a chat.