RADIO presenter Margaret Ho-ward will be fronting special concerts, celebrating the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi at Chichester Festival theatre next month.

Howard, well-known to classical fans as presenter of Classic FM's Howard's Way, will be introducing scenes, duets, arias and choruses from Verdi operas in two performances of Viva Verdi! at the theatre on March 11. This year marks the centenary of Verdi's death, and the Opera Nazionale Italiana and its orchestra - together with the acclaimed chorus, I Solisti Cantori - will be paying tribute in a spectacular show full of heartfelt passion and romantic drama.

Howard herself has spent a lifetime in radio for the BBC World Service, introducing the Promenade concerts as well as the famous Letterbox programme,

while on Radio 4, she was well known as the presenter of Pick of the Week. As well as Howard's Way, she has also hosted Classic Reports, and Music and the Mind on Classic FM.

Opera Nazionale Italiana is one of the most successful touring opera companies in the world, and its full-scale productions have been seen everywhere from Europe to Canada, delighting audiences with an authentic Italian opera experience.

I Solisti Cantori was created in 1994 for a TV production of La Traviata, and went on gain a worldwide audience through touring.

Viva Verdi! is at Chichester Festival Theatre on March 11 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

For tickets and information, call the box office on 01243 781312.