The Isle of Wight Cantata Choir has invited Will Todd run a choral workshop in Ventnor.

Will is an accomplished pianist and composer who writes jazz as well as classical music deep in the English choral tradition.

Will is best known for his jazz arrangement of the Latin mass “Mass in Blue”, written in 2003, which is now performed all over the world. His arrangement of “Amazing Grace”, at the other end of the music scale, underlines his versatility.

At our workshop we’re going concentrate on his brand new “Jazz Missa Brevis”, but we will look at some of his other works. These will include the beautiful Christmas Carol “Softly” the exciting “Alleluia warm-up!”, the gorgeous “Celtic Blessing” and more.

There are several good reasons for attending the workshop:

• It will be great fun.
  
• We will all learn a lot about singing jazz-influenced music.
  
• We will sing some extracts of Mass in Blue as well, a good introduction to the Cantata’s performance of it in 2017.
  
• We will sing some of Will’s other choral writing too.
  
• It is a great opportunity for members of many Island Choirs to sing together.

We hope that members of other Island choirs will join us – a fusion of classical, popular, barber shop, gospel and other singers can only make it more fun!

The workshop costs £15 and music is available for hire. This is great value for money!

It takes place in St Catherine's Church in Ventnor on Saturday 8th October.

The day starts at 9.00 am and we have two morning and one afternoon rehearsal sessions, with breaks for tea, coffee and lunch. It will be interesting, but not stressful – it’s meant to be fun!

At the end of the afternoon we will sing through the complete “Jazz Missa Brevis” – a 13-minute piece – and perhaps some of the other pieces we have tackled. Invite your friends and relations – they can attend free of charge! The day will finish at 5.30 pm.

For more information see our web site www.iowcantatachoir.co.uk. Click on News to stay up to date and download the booking form.

For a full information pack and booking form email www.iowcantatachoir.co.uk or contact Dick Dawson on 01983 760655.