BOB Chilcott, one of the UK’s leading composers and conductors, is making a return visit to Ilkley in May to lead one of his popular Singing Days.

Ilkley choir, Cantores Olicanae, is hosting the event, which is on May 11th at Ilkley Grammar School, 10.30am to 4.15pm.

Anne Lowe, the choir’s Chair, says: “We are delighted that Bob has agreed to run another Singing Day with us. His last visit, in May 2022, attracted 150 singers from all over the north of England, and we are hoping to welcome a similar number this time.”

Bob Chilcott has enjoyed a lifelong association with choral music, as a chorister and choral scholar in the choir of King’s College, Cambridge, and as a member of the King’s Singers. He became a full-time composer and conductor in 1997 and has composed a large catalogue of choral music.

He has directed choirs in more than 30 countries worldwide and conducts many thousands of amateur singers in a continuing series of Singing Days. Since 2002 he has been Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Singers and since 2019 Principal Conductor of Birmingham University Singers.

Bob says: “I am thrilled to be returning to Ilkley for another Come and Sing workshop with Cantores Olicanae and friends on 11th May. We will be singing my A Little Jazz Mass, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, my Irish Blessing, and some of my choral songs, published by Oxford University Press in the Bob Chilcott Songbook. All are very welcome to come along and sing with us, and we’ll have a day of exploration, and a lot of fun. I look forward to seeing you there.”

Jazz pianist Robert Sudall will be accompanying the workshop.

Anne added: “Cantores Olicanae will be singing Bob’s A Little Jazz Mass in our summer concert on June 15th. Anyone who attends the Singing Day and buys a ticket to our concert will have the opportunity of coming along to a couple of choir rehearsals, and then stepping up from the audience to join us as we perform this piece.”

Full details about ‘Chilcott Day’ can be found on the choir’s website www.cantoresolicanae.org.uk, or ring Anne on 07729 633136.