Noted for its skilful and entertaining writing of a jazz form of the liturgy, the popular Mass in Blue was premiered in 2003 and described by Will Todd as a real watershed work in which he can truly express himself. In contrast the Choir features George Shearing’s delightful “collaboration” with Shakespeare, written because “we enjoyed working together so much!”

Finally, pianist, composer and songwriter, Chris Lee, has written a jazz instrumental suite inspired by the Shakespearean texts used in Shearing’s Songs & Sonnets. He is joined by Luke Annesley (alto sax) Joe Pettitt (bass) and Rod Youngs (drums).