A choral singing project asking for young people from secondary schools and colleges from across Worcestershire to get involved has been backed by the mayor.

Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Louis Stephen, is adding his voice to the call for local secondary schools and colleges to sign up for the project starting autumn 2023.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people and our schools to come together and sing their hearts out while working with some of the country’s leading professional musicians," Cllr Stephen said.

"Schools will have the chance to perform Will Todd’s exhilarating jazz choral work ‘Mass In Blue’ with a stunning line-up of artists and the Will Todd Ensemble.

"I am fully behind this exciting initiative and I really encourage schools to get involved and have fun. What a great event this will be for the city too.”

Schools are invited to register their interest in the project as soon as possible - it is open to any Worcestershire secondary school (students in Years 8-13), college, and university. It comes at no cost to either schools or students and families.

Teaching and learning will begin from September 2023 through to the concert in April 2024.

Project producer Anne Renshaw, said: "There’s a real need post-pandemic and in the current tough times to boost mental/physical health and well-being, especially amongst young people. Singing is a great way to do this.

"We know from past projects, and from what teachers tell us, that taking part in a fantastic musical experience such as this can improve young people’s self-confidence, encourage self-expression and aid personal and social development.

“We especially want to reach out to those students who may never have engaged in the arts or sung in a choir before, but think they might like to, and offer them the opportunity to immerse themselves as part of a massed youth choir working with some really brilliant and inspirational professional musicians. It will most certainly be the experience of a lifetime.”

Leading the line-up of professionals involved will be Neil Ferris, chorus director BBC Symphony Chorus who will work with students and teachers directly in and out of school, as well as conducting the culminating performance in Worcester Cathedral.

Composer Will Todd will also join rehearsals and perform alongside the Youth Chorus with his professional 13-piece jazz ensemble.

A number of talented instrumental students will also be able to take part in a masterclass with 25-year-old Jess Gillam who was awarded an MBE for services to music.

Ms Renshaw added: “The Mass In Blue project will uplift and motivate young people. It’s an accessible and inclusive opportunity with teamwork and camaraderie at its heart.

"The final concert in Worcester Cathedral will be an outstanding and memorable occasion for all. As Sir Elton John put it, commenting on his own experience, ‘singing in a choir is a life-affirming experience’.

"We entirely endorse that and invite schools to find out more and join us.”

Youth Choral Worcs (formerly Sing UK) has been delivering educational and performance opportunities for young people in Worcestershire since 2010 working with secondary schools, colleges and those in higher education.

Its 2017 concert in Worcester Cathedral, Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man - a Mass for Peace, was a sell-out with more than 1200 people in the building.

‘Mass In Blue’ and past projects have been enabled through the support of the Bransford Trust, Arts Council England and Worcester City Council.

To register interest in taking part, schools should contact Anne Renshaw on 07810 823322 or by email at annerenshaw@me.com

For more information on The Bransford Trust - and the many worthwhile projects they support in Worcester - visit: https://bransfordtrust.org/