Jazz Preview: Double helping of masses all in one evening

The concert, at The Venue on May 21, is shared by the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and the LCM Jazz Ensemble. After performing on their own in the first half, the jazz group will accompany the choir in Mass in Blue by Will Todd and Little Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott.

Todd’s Mass in Blue blends jazz and blues styles with choral writing which embraces spirituals and gospel music and culminates in a stirring climax.

Chilcott was a member of the King’s Singers when they performed with the likes of George Shearing, Richard Rodney Bennett and John Dankworth. His interest in jazz is evident in Little Jazz Mass. Not having heard the piece I can do no more than quote advance publicity: “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.”

So there we are. Andrew Padmore conducts and soprano Bethany Halliday and pianist Thomas Moore, make significant contributions.

“This is a unique combination and certainly a first as far as the students are concerned,” said a spokesman. “Both the YPC and Leeds College of Music are keen to break down the barriers and open up music in all its forms to the community at large.”

Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir and LCM Jazz Ensemble, The Venue, Leeds College of Music, May 21. 0113 222 3434, www.lcm.ac.uk/concert-season