A CHOIR will swap its usual Cathedral surroundings for the bright lights of the rock arena after saying ‘yes’ to a global icon of progressive rock.

The Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir will perform alongside keyboard player – and founder member of legendary band Yes – Rick Wakeman during his only UK concerts this year.

The choir’s musical director and founder, Stephen Shellard, said: “The invitation to support Rick’s appearances in Cheltenham came out of the blue but we are delighted to have been asked.

“We’re all huge fans and are so excited at being able to perform not only some of the pieces that many of us already have in our own music collections, but to do so with the man himself.”

The choir, which was founded in 1998 and draws members from Worcester, Malvern, Evesham, Pershore, Bromsgrove and the Wyre Forest, was invited to join the star following its participation in the recent Worcester and Gloucester Cathedral Mystery Plays joint production.

Mr Shellard said: “Rick’s producer also happened to be involved with the Mystery Plays and he contacted me after hearing us perform the backing music for the Worcester performances last April.

“Needless to say, it was a huge surprise but we’re very honoured. The choir didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’.”

They will now join Rick on stage at the Centaur, at Cheltenham Racecourse, on Sunday and Monday, June 16 and 17.

As well as his musical achievements, Mr Wakeman is also known as a regular contributor to radio and TV shows such as Countdown and Just A Minute, and will be performing some of his biggest solo hits in the form of Journey to the Centre of the Earth, the Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and the Six Wives of Henry VIII.

For more information and tickets, go to cheltenham. co.uk.