The Jay Singers celebrate a decade

TONY COOPER The Jay Singers celebrate their 10th anniversary this Saturday, April 8, with a birthday concert in St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich. It features guest narrator/actor Charles Roberts, the former theatre and arts critic of the EDP, who’s returning from his home in France specially to take part in the concert.

TONY COOPER

The Jay Singers - under the direction of Jeremy Jackman, a former member of the renowned King's Singers - celebrate their 10th anniversary this Saturday, April 8, with a birthday concert in St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, at 7.30pm.

The choir will perform the work it commissioned from Mr Jackman in 2000 entitled Sea Tongue, and based on a text by Kevin Crossley-Holland. It features guest narrator/actor Charles Roberts, the former theatre and arts critic of the Eastern Daily Press, who's returning from his home in France specially to take part in the concert.

Other treats will include a collection of unaccompanied music spanning several generations and genres opening with a performance of Lassus' Musica Dei Donum Optimi (music, gift of the supreme god) and closes with a contemporary setting of the same piece by Mr Jackman.

There's the opportunity to hear many styles, ranging from African folksongs (such as Hamba Lulu) to a selection from Rachmaninov's All Night Vigil (Vespers).

The choir has built up a loyal following since its inception in 1996 and is known for its lively and varied programming.

Tickets range from £5.50 to £11 at the door or from Elkin Music, 31 Exchange Street, Norwich; telephone 01603 666332.