A SPECIAL brass band and choir is to be created for the York Mystery Plays this summer, as organisers seek to create a musical as well as a theatrical spectacular.

Craig Brown, who is already musical director of one of the Shepherd Group Brass Bands, has been appointed as musical director, with one of his first tasks being to form a Mystery Plays Brass Band and Choir.

Craig is hoping to recruit a minimum of 32 brass players to create four octets, which would play on different nights throughout August in the Museum Gardens.

He also wants about 160 people for the choir, with a 40-strong group set to sing each night.

He said he was delighted to be involved with such a massive project as the plays, working alongside composer Christopher Madin.

“The plays are deeply embedded in York’s heritage and I am really looking forward to Chris, myself and the community, creating a musical score which will enhance the drama on stage,” he said.

“The big sounds of a brass band and a 40-strong choir, both of which have strong traditions in Yorkshire, are two aspects I hope will bring something different to the plays.”

Rehearsals will generally take place on Sunday afternoons in the centre of York and will begin on May 6, merging with the acting rehearsals in mid-July.

A spokesman said commitment would be made flexible during the performances, between August 2 and 27, by having more voices and brass players than required for any one performance. “This will mean no one person is required for all of the performances,” he said.

Anyone interested in being in the choir or brass band can find out more on Sunday at York Theatre Royal. Those interested in the brass band should attend at 11.30am and those interested in the choir should attend at 2.30pm.

Anyone unable to attend but still interested in getting involved should contact the Mystery 2012 office on 01904 715450 or email liam.evans-ford@yorkmysteryplays2012.com.