Cantores Olicanae choir present their summer concert on Saturday, June 15 in St Margaret’s Church, Ilkley at 7.30pm.

The concert showcases works from three outstanding and well-known composers – Bob Chilcott, John Rutter and George Shearing.

Chilcott’s wonderful setting of the Latin Missa brevis – A Little Jazz Mass - brings the composer’s jazz influences truly to the fore. The relaxed, easy tempo of the Kyrie contrasts with the upbeat, swinging tempo of the Gloria. The soothing rhythms of the Sanctus and Benedictus then lead to the blues-inspired Agnus Dei and the peaceful conclusion of Dona Nobis Pacem.

The concert also features Birthday Madrigals, written by John Rutter to celebrate the 75th birthday of his close friend, the great jazz pianist George Shearing. Whilst the style of the music is influenced by jazz, the texts come from the era of the Elizabethan madrigal. The music captures the varied moods of love, rapture, sorrow, humour and vitality in a way that makes the classical texts come alive for contemporary audiences.

In a similar vein, the concert features some of William Shakespeare’s Songs and Sonnets arranged by George Shearing. Some songs are performed a cappella, some with piano accompaniment. Shearing’s arrangements make the Elizabethan themes fresh, exciting and very accessible for listeners today.

The choir will be led by their Musical Director James Savage-Hanford and accompanied by Robert Sudall.

Tickets are £15: Students £5: Under 14s free.

Tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.co.uk, or at Ilkley Visitor Information Centre (in Ilkley Library), at The Grove Bookshop, on the door, or call Judith on 07718 305398.

To find out more about Cantores Olicanae, or about this and future concerts, please visit the website: www.cantoresolicanae.org.uk