Vocalis are delighted to welcome you to their summer afternoon concert, offering a programme filled with joyful, uplifting and at times deeply moving choral music, all enhanced by the beautiful acoustics of St Wilfrid’s Church. Under the direction of Musical Director James Savage‑Hanford, the choir will present a rich selection of American spirituals, folk songs and timeless favourites from the Great American Songbook.

The programme features a number of well‑known spirituals and Gospel songs, including Michael Tippett’s powerful set of Five Spirituals from A Child of Our Time — Steal Away; Nobody Knows the Trouble I See; Go Down, Moses; O, By and By and Deep River. You’ll also hear Moses Hogan’s thrilling arrangement of The Battle of Jericho.

The concert continues with a set of Appalachian folk music, including a beautifully crafted arrangement of Shenandoah and the traditional Shaker tune Simple Gifts.

To bring the afternoon to a warm and memorable close, Vocalis will send you on your way with a selection of beloved Great American Songbook classics such as George Gershwin’s Summertime, Cole Porter’s Let’s Do It, and Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Thomas “Fats” Waller and Harry Brooks.

Refreshments will be available during the interval.