A star-studded line up has been announced for a unique, jazz-inspired mass event at Worcester Cathedral.

The Cathedral will host composer Will Todd’s Mass In Blue on Saturday, April 27, when a chorus of around 180 singers from seven Worcestershire secondary schools will be joined by professional musicians and artists for the event.

Todd, soprano Lorna James, and the Will Todd Ensemble will be performing, flanked by the acclaimed BBC Symphony Chorus Director, conductor Neil Ferris.

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Saxophonist and BBC Radio Three presenter, Jess Gillam MBE, will host the concert and feature as the solo guest artist.

Organiser Anne Renshaw said: "Jess is a fantastic ambassador for music education and for her art the world over.

"At only 25 she has set the music world on fire with her outstanding talent and infectious personality."

She added: "We are thrilled she is coming to Worcester to perform with us and inspire our young people and the audience."

A highlight of the programme will be choral improvisations by vocalist and composer Aga Serugo-Lugo, along with Todd’s arrangement of 'Amazing Grace.'

Performance aside, the event is offering young people the chance to perform with and learn from leading professional artists.

Ms Renshaw said: "This project is all about opportunity and access.

"It’s about offering young people, especially those with no previous experience, the chance to immerse themselves in a high-quality, uplifting, challenging, and ultimately highly rewarding musical experience."

Conductor Neil Ferris said: "We’ve had a great session here this morning with Will Todd in the lead-up to the concert on 27 April.

"They are making a fantastic sound and I’m really excited about what we’re going to achieve on that day in Worcester Cathedral."

The young singers will also be joined by peers from Worcester Cathedral Youth Choir, the Millenium Youth Choir, and a high school choir from Vermont, USA.

Soloist Gillam will also lead a Masterclass for six students from the area on the day of the concert.

For tickets, contact the Worcester Theatres ticket hotline or visit their website (worcestertheatres.co.uk).