Singers warm up for Jazz Mass in Cathedral

Singers are wanted to take part in a unique musical experience next month – the one-off performance of a Jazz Mass at Ripon Cathedral. 

A special choir is being formed to perform “Praise God and Dance” , Duke Ellington’s Jazz Mass, on October 3rd, with rehearsals during September for those taking part.

The  Mass is based on the powerful and emotional music from Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts, set within a formal Church service that helps to bring the deep seated religious meaning behind the music to life.  Duke Ellington rarely expressed his religious beliefs in his music, and it wasn’t until almost the end of his life that he was finally persuaded to write music for the Church.  The Sacred Concerts are the result and received critical as some of his best music.

Recently there has been a revival of interest in the music and three years ago musicians came together for a performance at  St. John’s Church in Bilton.  As a result the event is taking place again, this time accompanied by Harrogate-based, Echo Four Two, a 17 piece Big Band .

Singers are needed for the choir with the first rehearsal on Sunday September 6th at 2pm with four more rehearsals on the 12th, 22nd, 29th and an afternoon rehearsal on the day of the performance.

If you are interested contact Keith Hawker, keithhawker@aol.com