Since 1995, Music in Prisons has been providing an alternative, often transformative, kind of rehabilitation for men and women across the UK. On 5 July, professional musicians and ex-prisoners will gather to celebrate the charity’s remarkable work in a special fundraising concert at Marylebone Parish Church.

It’s set to be a memorable night, with a programme that includes the premiere of Beyond This, the latest offering from acclaimed contemporary classical composer Mark-Anthony Turnage. Turnage’s work is known for its direct engagement with current social issues – as well as its jazz-inflected style – and Beyond This is no exception. A PRS New Music 20x12 initiative, the 12-minute piece was produced in collaboration with prisoners at HMP Lowdham Grange, and will be accompanied by a film. The eclectic evening concludes with an appearance from the Neil Cowley Trio (whose bassist, Rex Horan, has been heavily involved in the work of Music in Prisons). With a crisp, vibrant sound and a bracingly irreverent, genre-crossing approach, the trio are at the top of their game at the moment, in the midst of a tour for the recently released The Face Of Mount Molehill. They’re performing at a string of high-profile festivals this summer, including Montreux and Brecon.

They will also be collaborating with violinist and arranger Julian Ferraretto (best known for his wide ranging work with the Heritage Orchestra) for a special classical inspired night at the Barbican as part of this year’s London Jazz Festival. Taking place on 17 November and billed as Neil Cowley Trio with the Goldsmiths (Big) Strings, the evening will feature expansive arrangements of Cowley pieces all learned purely by ear to create a natural, swinging large ensemble sound that moves away from the strictures of relying on sight-reading scores.

Visit www.musicinprisons.org.uk for more details about the even and www.neilcowleytrio.com.

 – Orlando Bird