Season Opener features 2 of the best!

Our 2015/16 season opens (Saturday 24 October 2015, 7.00pm in Wakefield Cathedral (please note the change of time for concerts this season)) by featuring works by 2 of the Nation's favourite and best choral composers, John Rutter and Bob Chilcott.

To quote BBC Music Magazine 'John Rutter is the most successful and well-known composer of choral music in recent British history'

John's 'Requiem' is one of his most popular and best-loved choral works, full of tunefulness and beauty, yet a challenge to perform well. John includes psalm settings in English to the traditional text of the Mass which add to the flow and accessibility of the setting. It is beautifully orchestrated with outstanding solos for oboe and cello and the Pie Jesu features a haunting solo for Soprano.

John Rutter is a master craftsman and it is this kind of writing which has made him a great favourite with performers and audiences alike. The evening will also feature some of John's shorter Anthems, all sung in English.

It is now many years since Bob Chilcott initially came to musical prominence as a member of 'The King's Singers'.

After 12 years with the Kings Singers, Bob left to concentrate on composing and he has been a prolific choral composer ever since, writing for various vocal ensembles including many works for Children's choirs.

Like John Rutter he has an international reputation and has conducted events and choirs all over the world.

'A Little Jazz Mass' was originally written for a choral festival in New Orleans but has become a firm favourite with choirs everywhere. It is short in length, yet its 5 movements manage to embrace a variety of jazz styles. To quote the publisher 'The Kyrie has real groove, the Gloria swings, the Sanctus sits right back, the Benedictus hums along, and the Agnus Dei draws inspiration from the Blues.'

It is great piece which will set your feet tapping and will make you smile at just what can be done with such a traditional text. Accompaniment will feature a small jazz combo.

This is going to be an outstanding evening of Contemporary British Choral Music which will leave you wanting more and appreciating the wealth of talent this Country has in both creators and performers of music.

Don't miss it - tickets are available from this website, get them now, you won't regret it.