In 1914, a young man called Edward Ellington wrote a simple piano piece entitled Soda Fountain Rag.

Over the next 60 years, he would compose a cannon of work which would have him recognised as the foremost American composer of any genre.

Nicknamed Duke by his schoolfriends because of his regal bearing, Ellington's music contains a unique blend of contrasts and contradictions.

At once visceral and elegant, intimate and shouting, traditional and progressive, the music is unique, exciting, earthy and refined.

The Echoes Of Ellington was first formed in 1994 to celebrate the Duke's music, and to bring it by live performance to a modern audience.

Jazz enthusiasts the length and breadth of the nation, and later on in Europe and the United States, were amazed by the group's ability to get inside the scores and really bring out the Ellington flavour.

Today, the orchestra is in its finest incarnation yet, with highly specialised virtuoso players on all the instruments who understand intimately the nuances put on the page by the Duke.

The show is conducted and presented by clarinettist Peter Long, who over the years has built a reputation as the pre-eminent big band frontman in the United Kingdom today.

As well as keeping you entertained with the music, he will ensure that you leave the show with a little more background information than you were expecting, heightening the experience of hearing the music by understanding.

Come and enjoy a sonic big band journey with Echoes of Ellington in the shadow of Luke Jerram's fantastic touring artwork: The Museum of the Moon.

"Somewhat more of a treat for jazz buffs than classical fans, I venture. But to hear players this skilled let loose in fresh fields is exhilarating and Long can be proud of this."

JUSTLISTENTOTHIS

Proceeds from this concert support the charitable work of Wells Cathedral.

Please note: Tickets are banded, and seats will be allocated by the cathedral accordingly to allow for households/bubbles to be sufficiently socially distanced from each other. Thank you for patience and understanding.