ROSS-on-Wye Choral Society are entering previously uncharted waters with the performance of Mass in Blue by British composer Will Todd (born 1970).

This was first performed as a Jazz Mass when commissioned by the Hertfordshire Chorus in 2003. It calls for a small jazz ensemble of piano, percussion, bass and alto sax, to be provided by the Musical and Amicable Society from graduates of the Birmingham Conservatoire. The soprano soloist is Hannah Davey who is equally at home in classical or jazz. Will Todd is a prolific composer, with two operas, cantatas and an oratorio to his name together with concertos, choral works and numerous orchestral pieces. The first part of the concert will be the more familiar Hymn of Praise by Felix Mendelssohn. a cantata which forms the greater part of the composer’s Second Symphony. It contains five choral numbers, two of which are with soloists. Hannah Davey will also be singing in this, together with tenor Gethin Lewis and she will be joined by a member of the Society to sing the duet I Waited for the Lord.

Ross-on-Wye Choral Society will be in concert at St Mary’s Church Ross-on-Wye at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 3. Tickets are available from Rossiters Books, in Ross-on-Wye and from the ticket secretary on 01989 563328.

The Society will be putting on their usual Carols at Ross Baptist Church at 3pm on Saturday, December 10. Tickets available on the door.