A UNIQUE collaboration between a world-class soprano and her driver has become an unexpected international hit on YouTube just as the choir, of which they are a part, is due to appear in Tavistock during its annual tour of Britain.

The duo are Valentina Ivanenko, the coloratura soprano who sings with the Boyan Ensemble of Kiev, Ukraine, and Valeriy Vovk, who is one of the two co-drivers behind the wheel of the choir's coach.

The YouTube sensation has arisen from the fact that Valentina practises her trilling style of singing two hours a day on the coach as the choir travels around the country during its month-long tour.

Unknown to everyone during last year's tour, Valeriy Vovk started miming to her singing and recorded a video of himself on his mobile.

Margarete Rolle, the choir's UK representative and tour organiser said: 'All 30 members of the ensemble and their entourage have a fantastic sense of humour. They are, of course, first and foremost serious musicians and singers of some of the greatest ecclesiastical and traditional music in eastern Europe.

'The quality of their singing has been described as awe-inspiring and Valentina has been awarded the medal of "Honoured Artist of Ukraine" by her government.

'Having said that, they never miss the opportunity to have a bit of fun and a laugh when they are relaxing between performances and rehearsals.

'They play jokes on one another, and me, all the time. It makes their heavy schedule bearable and this has clearly rubbed off on Valeriy while he's been driving.'

The Boyan Ensemble presents a mixed programme of sacred chants in the first half of the concert and Ukrainian folk songs, many of them humorous, in the second.

The ensemble are due to perform at St Eustachius' Church in Tavistock on Saturday November 6 at 7.30pm.

To book tickets call 01822 618064 or email [email protected]">[email protected]