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Rare Chance To Hear Choral Jazz In Carlisle

The Abbey Singers in St James' Church

Carlisle-based choir the Abbey Singers are in final rehearsals for their next concert.

On Saturday July 2 they will perform Will Todd’s Mass in Blue in the city for the first time.

Composed in 2003, the Mass in Blue is widely acknowledged as a groundbreaking choral work; it sets the traditional Latin Mass in a Jazz style and makes considerable demands on its performers.

Next month’s concert will see the Abbey Singers tackle both the Mass and a selection of popular folk songs rendered in Jazz arrangements by composer Bob Chilcott.

The choir’s director, Jonathan Millican, said:
“It’s not usual to hear folk songs in a jazz style, and it's especially uncommon to hear a mass setting in that style – so it's a great opportunity to listen to the fusion of choral music and jazz. The possibilities of mixing classical and jazz styles are showcased really well by the composers.”

Under Jonathan’s direction, the evening will feature soprano soloist Frances Sutton and accompanist David T Shingler.

The concert will take place in St James’ Church, Denton Holme, Carlisle, on July 2 (7.30pm). Tickets are available on the door or in advance from Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jazz-on-a-summers-evening-tickets-356201727957