Swing into Summer: Thames Philharmonic Choir’s Jazz-themed Summer Concert Premieres a New Commission 

This June, Thames Philharmonic Choir will take the stage at All Saints Church in Kingston with the swing of jazz harmonies, Shakespeare’s poetry, and a brand-new commission. On Saturday 14 June 2025 at 7.30pm, Thames Philharmonic Choir invites you to Swing into Summer – a celebration of jazzy choral music, culminating in the premiere of Harry Baker’s Three Teasdale Songs, written specially for the choir.

With a programme that balances modern creativity and choral favourites, this vibrant concert promises something for every music lover – whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or simply looking for a joyful summer evening out.

An Evening of Jazz, Choral Spirit, and a Premiere

This isn’t your average summer concert. At the heart of the evening lies Harry Baker’s Three Teasdale Songs – a bold new commission that fuses the introspective poetry of Sara Teasdale with the rhythmic vitality of jazz. Known for his work with Fatma Said, Jamie Cullum, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and for performances at venues such as Wigmore Hall and Ronnie Scott’s, Harry Baker is a rare talent who bridges genres effortlessly.

Speaking about the new piece, Harry said:

“I wanted to compose a work that would play into the choral strengths of the choir, whilst also perhaps providing fun challenges in incorporating jazzy elements such as swing, syncopation and ‘scrunchy’ harmony!”

The piece is structured in three movements, each inspired by a different Teasdale poem – from the cautious optimism of ‘April’, through the delicate melancholy of ‘Afterwards’, to the gospel-tinged ‘Spirit’s House’. It’s a piece that moves through emotional landscapes with agility and grace, inviting the audience into a unique sound world where jazz meets poetry in deeply human ways.

“Choral music has its foundations in live performance,” Baker reflects. “A premiere can generate a tangible buzz – I hope listeners will feel moved by the emotional journey of Three Teasdale Songs, and enlivened by the interplay between jazz trio and choir!”

The evening doesn’t stop with the premiere. The programme also features three other thrilling works that echo the same jazz–choral fusion:

• George Shearing’s Songs and Sonnets – an elegant and witty setting of Shakespearean texts from the famed blind jazz pianist, packed with charm and swing.
• John Rutter’s Birthday Madrigals – a beloved choral cycle that blends lush harmonies with syncopated jazz rhythms.
• Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass – a favourite of choirs worldwide, combining liturgical text with smoky blues and feel-good energy.

These works will be brought to life by Thames Philharmonic Choir, under the baton of Harry Bradford, the choir’s dynamic and award-winning Music Director, . Harry Bradford, a rising star in the UK choral scene, has led the choir through a rich and ambitious repertoire, from Baroque masterworks to contemporary commissions.

Joining the choir on stage is the Harry Baker Trio – one of the most exciting new ensembles on the UK jazz scene – whose fluid collaboration with the singers brings a uniquely spontaneous energy to the programme.

The solo lines in the evening will be performed by Thames Philharmonic Choir’s Choral Scholars, adding a youthful vibrancy.

“At TPC, we’ve always embraced the old and the new – from the timeless beauty of Handel’s Messiah to the poignant modernity of James MacMillan,” says Sinem, the choir’s Head of Marketing & Communications. “But few projects have excited us as much as this summer’s concert and our collaboration with Harry Baker. The process of preparing this piece has been joyful, challenging, and very enriching.”

Indeed, the choir’s rehearsals have delved deep into Sara Teasdale’s poetry, exploring harmonic twists and the subtle interplay of jazz and classical traditions. It’s a journey of musical discovery – and one they can’t wait to share with audiences.

Book Your Tickets

Whether you’re a jazz fan, a lover of choral music, or simply looking for an uplifting cultural evening in Kingston, Swing into Summer offers an unmissable experience. The soaring architecture of All Saints Church, Kingston provides the perfect acoustic and setting for this joyous concert.

Ticket Prices:

• Centre Aisle: £23 (Concessions £21)
• Side Aisle: £19 (Concessions £17)
• Behind Choir (Restricted View): £5

Concession tickets are available for full-time students and under-18s, and groups of eight or more receive a 10% discount (email [email protected]).
TPC Friends are entitled to 10% off all ticket purchases, plus two free drinks – just email to claim your benefits.

🎫 Tickets are available now here.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind evening with this beautiful concert in London.

 

*Image provided by Thames Philharmonic Choir for promotion of Swing into Summer by Thames Philharmonic Choir.