Will Todd Ensemble to jazz up Bar des Arts

JAZZ enthusiasts from Guildford are this month (March, 2013) invited to a bar in the town to see a pianist and his band whose music was played for President Obama.

The Will Todd Ensemble featuring Bethany Halliday will take to the stage at Bar des Arts, which is located opposite the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Millbrook, on Monday, March 25 from 8pm.

Sara Burks, Co-owner of Bar des Arts, said: "Will Todd is an acclaimed jazz pianist and we are really looking forward to hearing him and his band perform at the bar. His jazz crossover works have been played around the world including at President Obama's Inauguration Ceremony in January.

"The six-piece band's music combines elements of jazz and classical genres and their uplifting tunes are complemented by the distinctive vocals of Bethany Halliday, who regularly performs across the UK and US."

The Will Todd Ensemble ranges in size from a jazz trio to a big band. They have performed more than 100 renditions of their famous 'Mass in Blue' with choirs from across the country.

The ensemble also regularly hosts specialist jazz workshops and training for musicians.

Bethany Halliday, who performs as part of the ensemble, is a classically trained singer and has been awarded the English National Opera Lillian Baylis Bursary for young singers. She has also performed with the Royal Opera House and Opera Genesis.

Tickets for the evening will cost £8 per person. Booking is essential and can be done by calling the bar on 01483 453227 or emailing info@bardesarts.co.uk.

Sara added: "The ensemble is well-known for its improvisational skills and each member's charismatic and engaging playing style will ensure that the audience feel a part of every note. We are sure it will be an entertaining evening for everyone."

Bar des Arts is a café by day and a wine and cocktail bar by night. A range of wine, beers, cocktails and soft drinks are available to purchase, along with tapas. The bar hosts a variety of events and exhibitions, including live music, dance performances, open mic nights and many more.

The Will Todd Ensemble will be performing at Bar des Arts on Monday, March 25 from 8pm.

For more information about the free event, please call Bar des Arts, which is located opposite the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Millbrook, on 01483 453227, log on to http://tinyurl.com/6nnwcok or follow the bar on Twitter by visiting http://tinyurl.com/6wrjvru

Date: Monday, March 25, 2013