Students and teachers across Worcestershire are counting down the days until their upcoming performance at Worcester Cathedral.

Students from seven secondary schools, will share the stage with professional musicians in a thrilling rendition of Will Todd’s jazz-infused Mass in Blue.

Taking place on Saturday, April 27, the performance promises an evening of high-energy music with around 170 student singers accompanied by the Will Todd Ensemble and soprano Lorna James, all under the baton of Neil Ferris, chorus director at the BBC Symphony Chorus.

 

 

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Jess Gillam MBE, renowned saxophonist and BBC R3 presenter, will be the concert’s solo guest artist and presenter.

The event producer, Anne Renshaw, said: "Jess is a fantastic ambassador for music education and for her art the world over.

"At only 25, she has set the music world on fire with her outstanding talent and infectious personality.

"We are thrilled she is coming to Worcester to perform with us and inspire our young people and the audience."

In addition to the main performance, Gillam will be leading a masterclass for six talented students at the Royal Porcelain Works on the day of the concert.

Ms Renshaw added: "This project is all about opportunity and access.

"It’s about offering young people, especially those with no previous experience, the chance to immerse themselves in a high-quality, uplifting, challenging, and ultimately highly rewarding musical experience."

Among those joining the schools for the concert will be the Worcester Cathedral Youth Choir, the RSCM Millenium Youth Choir, and two high school choirs from Vermont, US, presenting a trans-atlantic collaboration alongside the Worcestershire and national artists.

The international visitors will also attend a special reception hosted by the Mayor of Worcester at the Guildhall on Tuesday, April 23.

Conductor Neil Ferris, who has worked with students and teachers since the project launch in April 2023, said: "We’ve had a great session here this morning with Will Todd in the lead-up to the concert.

"They are making a fantastic sound and I’m really excited about what we’re going to achieve on that day in Worcester Cathedral."