Talented young saxophonist Samuel Beddard, accompanied by pianist Jo Foote, is performing ‘What Shapes A Soul’ at St Mary Magdalene Church, as part of the church’s ‘Sunday Sessions’ concert series.
Samuel is currently studying saxophone at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and this performance at Cottingham Church is part of a national tour taking place in 2025 and 2026. Samuel will be performing on both tenor and soprano sax.
The recital explores spirituality in music and takes the listener on a journey from American gospel and spiritual hymns to their routes in African folk music.
Opening with the music of the present day, Steven Banks’ monumental Come As You Are integrates the religious hymns of gospel and Romantic classical music, a piece given its UK premiere by Samuel and Jo in 2023. The programme moves through the soundscapes of gospel and soul, before progressing into New Orleans jazz and African spiritual. The concert closes with the Suite after Abel Selaocoe, exploring Selaocoe’s unique musical voice and bringing African traditional music to new audiences.
Profits from the concert will go to St Mary Magdalene Church.