An Evening of Choral Jazz with Sterndale Singers & Robert Webb

This Jazz inspired programme features three main works: George Shearing’s seldom performed “Music to Hear” (written in 1985):is a selection of texts by Shakespeare which he has set to music in a variety of styles: he begins with a homage to Delius, a composer he admires, then bows to the style of music composed during Shakespeare’s time he wrote the second two pieces. Finally he segues into the style he knew best, and for which he is best known for the final two songs.

John Rutter was much inspired by Shearing’s music and in 1995 he wrote the “Birthday Madrigals” also including texts by Shakespeare to celebrate Shearing’s 75th birthday.

Bob Chilcott has always loved Jazz and had worked with George Shearing – an influence on Chilcott’s own music. He wrote “A Little Jazz Mass” in 2004 – one of the first jazz settings of the mass, using a variety of jazz styles for the different texts – and has perhaps inspired several composers to follow in his footsteps.

To complete the programme we have three exciting arrangements of traditional spirituals and three Jazz Standards by Fats Waller, Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers.

With jazz piano, string bass and kit accompaniment this will be an evening to remember.