FAMOUS opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will officially launch the University of Wales Trinity Saint David International Academy of Voice.

The academy will be under the directorship of its founder, Welsh tenor Dennis O'Neill.

The launch takes place on Saturday at St David's Hall, Cardiff.

The academy will provide advanced voice coaching to young professional opera singers from all over the world in the early stages of their careers with its first intake of students on year-long courses beginning this autumn.

The MA advance vocal studies course involves instruction via individual coaching and master classes and all vocal recitals by the academy's students and will be open to the public.

Mr O'Neill, one of the world's leading operatic tenors, said: "The Wales International Academy of Voice will provide world-class teaching and give students an unrivalled opportunity to learn from the greatest and most experienced figures in opera, including renowned singers, directors and producers.

"The performances will also give students valuable experience and introduce many of them to the demands of performing full-scale productions."