New show celebrates Ella Fitzgerald with Exeter Cathedral performance

London Concertante has announced a brand-new show for autumn 2025, celebrating the life and music of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald.

Ella and Friends will tour some of the UK’s most beautiful venues, including Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 1 November.

Best known for its classical repertoire, London Concertante is branching further into new musical territory with this jazz-inspired production, following the success of its Radiohead Reimagined tour earlier this year.

The concert will feature award-winning jazz vocalist Emma Smith, named Jazz Vocalist of the Year at the 2024 Parliamentary Jazz Awards.

Smith has performed with stars such as Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum and Gregory Porter, and was the only UK finalist in the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. A long-time member of the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars, she is regarded as one of the UK’s most exciting jazz voices.

Backed by an expanded orchestral line-up — including strings, harp, trumpet and percussion — Smith will perform new arrangements of Fitzgerald’s most iconic songs.

The programme spans Ella’s celebrated interpretations of the Great American Songbook, her duets with Louis Armstrong, and tributes to her contemporaries Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone.

Artistic Director Chris Grist said: “I’ve wanted to create a show around Ella Fitzgerald’s music for as long as I can remember. The magic of her performances is unforgettable, and with Emma Smith and our incredible musicians, we’re excited to bring that spirit to audiences across the UK.”

The Exeter concert takes place at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 1 November, 7.30pm. Tickets are available now via London Concertante’s website.