Summertime

Aaron Copland (1900–1990) is often called the man who gave America its “sound”. At a time when classical music could feel rather European and distant, he wrote pieces that were open, spacious and unmistakably American. Drawing on folk tunes, jazz and the wide landscapes of his homeland, his music is clear, direct and easy to connect with. Works like Appalachian Spring and Fanfare for the Common Man have a straightforward, uplifting quality that still appeals today. In short, Copland made classical music feel less like a museum piece—and more like something everyone could enjoy.

He wrote ‘Old American Songs (choral suite)’ by taking took old American tunes (the sort people would have sung at dances, in churches, or out on the river) and giving them a fresh polish. The result is music that feels lively, direct, and surprisingly modern.

We will be singing from of the pieces from this suite :  ‘Ching-A-Ring Chaw’ is the show-off of the set. It is punchy, rhythmic, and full of swagger—almost like a musical theatre number before its time. There’s a real sense of fun here, with the choir bouncing lines back and forth. It’s the kind of piece that makes you sit up and take notice.

By contrast, ‘Simple Gifts’ is exactly what the title promises. You’ll almost certainly recognise the tune—it’s been used in everything from adverts to film soundtracks.  It’s an 18th-century Shaker tune, known for its plain, elegant simplicity. Aaron Copland used it in his ballet Appalachian Spring, which is why many people recognise it today. Much later, in 1963, English songwriter Sydney Carter took that same melody and wrote entirely new words titled “Lord of the Dance”, turning it into a popular hymn.

Copland keeps ‘Simple Gifts’ clear and unfussy, letting the melody do the work. It is calm, sincere, and quietly moving without ever becoming sentimental. 

Bob Chilcott (born 1955) is one of Britain’s most approachable and widely performed choral composers. A former member of The King's Singers, he combines top-level musical know-how with a gift for writing tunes that choirs can enjoy singing. His music is often warm, melodic and gently modern, occasionally borrowing from jazz or popular styles without ever becoming complicated.

His ‘A Little Jazz Mass’ was written in 2004, commissioned by the Oxford University Press for practical use by choirs. His goal wasn’t to reinvent the Mass text, but to refresh it—making it more accessible and engaging, for choir and audience alike.  As a result it’s one of those rare pieces of “classical” music that feels immediately friendly, refreshingly straightforward, in a jazzy, syncopated style.

Accompanied by just a piano the music itself has a light, easy swing to it. You’ll hear hints of jazz throughout: toe-tapping rhythms, warm harmonies, and the sort of gentle groove that wouldn’t feel out of place in a late-night lounge bar.

The opening Kyrie is calm and soothing, almost like a lullaby, while the Gloria lifts the mood with a burst of cheerful energy. Later movements keep things moving along nicely, never getting too dense or difficult to follow. By the time you reach the Agnus Dei, the tone softens again, ending on a note that’s peaceful without being overly solemn.

What makes it work so well is that it doesn’t try too hard. Chilcott isn’t showing off or trying to be clever—he’s simply writing music people can enjoy singing and listening to.

If perhaps you think “Mass” means something long and intimidating, this piece might just change your mind !

Leonard Bernstein’s ‘West Side Story’ needs no introduction, but we’ll give it a short one all the same. First performed in 1957 as a Broadway musical, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, it sets the story of Romeo and Juliet in the streets of New York. Blending jazz, Latin rhythms and memorable melodies, the full version ran for the best part of 2 ½ hours. We’ll be singing a choral arrangement of some of the best known tunes including ‘Tonight’, ‘I Feel Pretty’, ‘Maria’ and America’. 

A small vocal ensemble from the choir will sing two close-harmony numbers, songs by Gershwin and Cole Porter, and other pieces may be added to the programme.