A star-studded choral concert is set to light up Reading Town Hall.
On Thursday, April 2, the National Youth Choir (ages 18 to 25), the Gesualdo Six, and superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam will join forces for a one-off performance.
The evening will take the audience on a musical journey 'through darkness into light,' blending centuries-old choral masterpieces with fresh, contemporary compositions.
Eve Powers, Head of Communications at the National Youth Choir, said: "Audiences are invited to journey through darkness into light in this immersive, uplifting performance, featuring some of the UK's most exciting young talents."
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The programme begins with William Byrd’s Ave Verum and closes with a reimagined version of the same piece by composer Roderick Williams, weaving a narrative arc that transitions from the old to the new.
Other featured works include music by Hildegard von Bingen and Orlando Gibbons, alongside modern composers such as Will Todd and Ayanna Witter-Johnson.
Ms Gillam is known for her electrifying performances, vibrant stage presence, and magnetic personality.
She became the youngest soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms and has since appeared on major stages worldwide.
The concert forms part of the National Youth Choir’s mission to champion choral singing and develop young musical talent across the UK.
The choir’s work extends beyond performance, with a broad educational programme serving more than 950 young singers aged 9 to 25.
Ms Powers said: "Through excellence in singing, creating music together, training and support, we help young people develop the confidence and skills to realise their greatest potential."
Alongside this, the choir runs a national performance programme, international events, digital recordings, and music videos.
Their learning and engagement initiatives reach more than 4,000 young people each year - including those in areas of low cultural engagement and deprivation - offering open-access pathways into choral music.
Professional development for emerging talent is another core part of their work.
Ms Powers added: "Through tailored development programmes, such as our Fellowship, Young Composers & Conductor schemes supporting a new generation of talented artists and leaders.
"We believe in the power of singing together and creating opportunities for young people from all walks of life to find and use their voice."
Tickets for the concert are priced from £22 to £30, with a special £10 rate for under-25s.
They can be booked at whatsonreading.com/national-youth-choir.
