Happy New Year. Here's 2017 in a nutshell....do come and see us!

A Very Happy New Year from all of us here at the YPC. We hope 2017 will be musically special for you. We believe it will be for us, as we feature an exciting mixture of music, superb soloists and with each concert featuring a full orchestra, other than at Christmas when we are joined by a professional brass quintet with the cathedral organ. So, if that sounds attractive to you why not join with us at one, some or all of our concerts, some details of which will follow, so please read on.

2016 came to a close with our Annual Christmas Concert which has become one of the most anticipated events in the area and 2016 was no different. Sold out by mid November, a packed cathedral enjoyed and joined in with Carols old and new. Richmond House School Choir were our special guests and they stole everyone's hearts with the high quality of their performances and their sheer joy of singing, Brass and organ, as previously referred to, also added to the glorious sounds of Christmas which meant everyone left with raised spirits and smiles, ready to enjoy the forthcoming celebrations and holiday.

But that's all behind us and 2017 awaits, which of course will complete the current season and see the start of the 2017/18 season.

Saturday 8th April, 7.00 pm in Wakefield Cathedral, brings the performance of one of the truly major choral works, Mendelssohn's 'Elijah'. The YPC will be joined by the WGHS Junior Choir, full orchestra and soloists of such quality and experience, they would be hard to surpass anywhere, Una Barry, Gaynor Keeble, Warren Gillespie and Andrew Mahon. This promises to be an unforgettable musical experience and not to be missed.

The final concert of the current season is on 24 June 2017, 7.00 pm in Wakefield Cathedral and will be a contrast to the April concert. It will feature two of the most popular and melodic pieces of the 20th century. Faure's 'Requiem' stands almost alone in the affection in which it is held, it is simply many people's favourite work. The YPC featured it on its last recording (available on special offer in this website) and we are delighted to able to present it again alongside a beautiful work by probably the most popular choral composer in the U.K., John Rutter. His 'Mass of the Children' written towards the end of last century, has all his famous traits. Wonderfully melodic, luxuriously scored and, as the name suggests, requires the involvement of a children's choir ( of some competence). The YPC is delighted to be welcoming the Silcoates School Junior Choir, for the first time, to share in this performance which will also feature full orchestra and former YPC member, Christina Jones as soprano soloist with James Jenkins ( baritone).

This summer concert also supports the wonderful work undertaken by Wakefield Hospice.

Tickets are now on sale for both these concerts on the box office section of this website, so please act now to ensure you have your tickets in good time.

We can announce that our 2017/8 Season will include one of the most significant works of the late 20th Century - 'The Armed Man' by Sir Karl Jenkins. This work, commissioned by the Royal Armouries in Leeds, and subtitled 'A Mass for Peace', will appropriately feature on our 11th November 2017 (Armistace Day) Concert. This will doubtless be a very popular concert, especially as the work will be paired with Durufle's much loved 'Requiem', and because 'The Armed Man' has found a place in the hearts of performers and listeners alike.

Our Annual Christmas Concert this year will be on Saturday 16 December 2017, featuring children's choir, brass quintet and the Cathedral Organ, with Christmas carols and music old and new. You will also have several chances to 'join in'.

Tickets for both these concerts ( and the remainder of concerts for next season) will NOT be on sale until September 2017, but I sincerely recommend you place a note in your diary to buy your tickets for both these events in September, to avoid disappointment.

Well that summarises 2017 in a nutshell. The YPC really appreciated your interest in us and especially your support at our concerts. If you haven't come to a concert yet, why not make a New Year resolution to do so. We hope the information here whets your appetite.

With very best wishes from all of us here in the YPC.