A mystery benefactor has splashed out $40,000 on tickets so more people get the chance to see an acclaimed American choir perform in Bermuda.

More than 1,000 tickets are now due to be given away free to those who previously could not afford to see the show.

Organisers behind Saturday night?s Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir concert at the National Sports Centre last night admitted they were shocked by the generous donation.

Pastor Gary Simons, of the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship, said the windfall meant that about 1,000 tickets ? previously $40 each ? would be available to residents who had wanted to go but, for financial reasons, could not get a ticket.

He said: ?We are humbled yet excited by the donation. They were concerned about people that could not afford to come to the concert so they have given a lump sum.

?It?s good that someone has such a heart for the people of Bermuda.?

Pastor Simons said that the US-based benefactor who dug deep into his pockets, who he said was a friend of the church, had asked to remain anonymous.

But he said that the publicity-shy donator liked the peaceful theme of this weekend?s event ? ?every life counts?, despite ethnic background or economic standing ? and had been impressed with the fundraiser he saw in Bermuda in 2004 for World Trade Center and Hurricane Fabian victims, when the Grammy-winning Brooklyn choir also hit the high notes.

Pastor Simons confirmed that the donation meant that about 1,200 paid for tickets could be given away free.

Some 200 of those have already been handed out to the Salvation Army, senior citizens, needy children, prisoners and various charities.

That means there are about 1,000 left. And they will be distributed from 9 a.m. tomorrow to suitable residents who turn up at the Cornerstone Bible Fellowship, Church Street. They will also be available from the Hamilton City Hall box office.

Pastor Simons said tickets would go to people who could not afford the normal asking price, for example cash-strapped families who have just bought new school uniforms for their children.

He said that the church had attempted to keep prices low, with ticket fees covering costs. ?We are non profit and part of a registered charity,? he said. ?We do go overseas for donations sometimes.?

He stayed tight-lipped about the benefactor but said that the donor supported those at risk in his home city. Referring to gang-related issues on the Island, the senior Pastor added: ?They have seen some of the things starting to take place here and asked, ?what can I do to help??.?

Pastor Simons stressed that full price tickets were still available and sales were going well.

The concert takes place at 7 p.m. It aims to unite Bermuda and ?elevate peace rather than violence, similarities rather than differences and unity rather than division?.

The 270-strong Brooklyn choir have performed sold out concerts at world-famous US venues like Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall. They have won six Grammy awards.