The Exeter Daily - Music

Leading musicians to perform at concert marking the Army Benevolent Fund’s 80th anniversary

News Desk — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 05:08:00 +0000

Devon residents are invited to show their support for soldiers of the past, present and future by attending the ABF80 Concert, taking place at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 14th September in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.

This concert will raise vital funds for the Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s national charity, which for 80 years has supported soldiers, former soldiers and their families. It will feature music from stage, screen and the classical repertoire, performed by the Exeter Symphony Orchestra (ESO), and conducted by Arturo Serna, professional cellist, teacher and Musical Director of the ESO.

Also appearing are renowned guest soloist, Davina Hastings (soprano); internationally acclaimed harpist, Elizabeth-Jane Baldry, who is based in Devon; and concert pianist, Timothy Noon, who is currently Director of Music at Exeter Cathedral. Talented young singers from Centre Stage, the award-winning youth theatre company from Exmouth, will help raise the roof with a selection of tunes from popular shows such as Les Miserables and Pirates of Penzance.

The Army Benevolent Fund supports soldiers, former soldiers, and their families through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, injury, getting back to work and elderly care. The charity supported over 75,000 people last year through its grants for individuals and funding for other charities, including organisations offering services locally, such as Alabaré, which helps homeless veterans in Wiltshire, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Devon and Dorset.

Tickets are still available for the ABF80 Concert on September 14th, which will be compèred by popular broadcaster and former BBC Radio Devon presenter David Fitzgerald. Prices range from £10 to £35 per person, and £65 for access to a VIP reception and reserved seating. As well as talented musicians, concert-goers will hear from Army Benevolent Fund representatives and its ambassador, Alix Hale, who will share how the charity supported her family when her father died on active service.

Tilly Lambert-Lee, Regional Director – South West, Army Benevolent Fund, said: “We hope that as many Devon residents as possible will join us to celebrate the Army Benevolent Fund’s 80th anniversary at our ABF80 Concert at Exeter Cathedral.

"It promises to be a fantastic evening of musical entertainment in historic surroundings, thanks to our performers, speakers and the ESO.

"There is no better way to salute soldiers, veterans, and their families than by supporting this event, and helping ensure the Army Benevolent Fund continues to be there for soldiers, for life.”

Alix Hale, Army Benevolent Fund ambassador, said: “80 years of service to our Army family is no mean feat. For 15 of those years, the Army Benevolent Fund has been cheering on my own family. It is an honour to celebrate the great work this charity does for soldiers, former soldiers and their families.”

Over 500 people from across Devon are expected to attend the concert, which is one of several activities marking the 80th anniversary of the Army Benevolent Fund.

Since 2013, Exeter has hosted a bi-annual concert in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund, so far raising more than £55,000 to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

The charity hopes that September’s concert will build on previous years’ success.

The UK's Undisputed Kings of Jive "The Jive Aces"

Jill Lerner — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:35:39 +0000

Get ready to jump, jive, and wail as the multi-award-winning Jive Aces take their infectious energy on a nationwide tour! The UK's undisputed kings of jive and swing are renowned for their electrifying live shows, guaranteed to get audiences of all ages moving in the aisles or on the dance floor.

This tour promises a night of real entertainment, overflowing with timeless jive and swing classics, alongside electrifying originals from their brand-new album, "Keeping The Show On The Road". Released on 19th July on CD, Vinyl and all major download platforms, the album is a testament to the Jive Aces' enduring love of the genre and their ability to breathe fresh life into it for today's audiences.

Whether you're a lifelong swing fan or discovering the joy of jive for the first time, an evening with The Jive Aces is an unforgettable experience. Expect dazzling choreography, tight harmonies, and musicianship that will leave you breathless. So, dig out your dancing shoes, dust off your zoot suit, and prepare to be transported to a world of captivating music!

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Event Date

Saturday, September 28, 2024 - 7:30pm to 11:30pm

Venue

Marsh Barton Social Club, Grace Road West, Marsh Barton. EX2 8PU

Exeter Symphony Orchestra present a concert of music by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky

Exeter News Blog — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 23:37:38 +0000

The Exeter Symphony Orchestra under conductor Arturo Serna is staging a concert of music by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky on Saturday 20 July 2024 at 7.30pm in Exeter Cathedral.

This special concert – the highlight of ESO’s year – features the internationally distinguished cellist, Natalie Clein, performing great music in the fabulous setting of Exeter Cathedral.

The concert opens with the vivacious and effervescent Festive Overture (Opus 96) by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975). Described modestly by the composer as “just a short work, festive or celebrative in spirit”, its blistering pace and energy have ensured enduring success in the concert hall.

British cellist Natalie Clein, winner of both the BBC Young Musician of the Year and the Eurovision Competition for Young Musicians at age 16, regularly performs at major venues worldwide. She will play the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No 1 in E-flat major (Op 107), composed in 1959 and widely considered to be one of the most difficult concert works for the instrument.

The evening will conclude with Symphony No 4 in F minor (Op 36) by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893). Completed in 1878, the symphony received a lukewarm reception at its Moscow premiere, but became a roaring success when conducted by the composer fifteen years later in Cambridge.

Its opening fanfare renders it instantly recognisable as one of the greatest of Tchaikovsky symphonies, brim-full of broad, memorable tunes.

The concert is raising funds for the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, a charity that exists with the sole purpose of helping other charities. The foundation donates money to worthy causes in and around Exeter, such as Exeter Leukaemia Fund and Children's Hospice South West.

So please join Exeter Symphony Orchestra for a performance of wonderful classical music raising money for a great cause! Tickets start from £15 (£5 for under 18s) and are available atwww.exetersymphonyorchestra.co.uk.

Dunsford Singers summer concert including Hiawatha's Wedding Feast

Jan Traylen — Mon, 06 May 2024 11:57:40 +0000

We are singing about the exciting events surrounding Hiawatha's wedding as told by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and set to music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor.
Also, The Sprig of Thyme, set by John Rutter - a collection of arranged folk songs.
Wine and nibbles will be served in the interval.
Tickets can be reserved on our website 'Contact' form on the home page or buy at The Dunsford Stores.

www.dunsfordsingers.co.uk

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Event Date

Saturday, June 8, 2024 - 7:30pm

Venue

Teign Valley Community Hall, Christow, EX6 7WA

Compline: a celebration of the Ascension

ClareBryden — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:14:39 +0000

Date and time

7.30pm on Thursday, 9 May 2024

Location

St Olave’s Church is at the top of Fore Street, between the North Street-South Street-High Street junction and the Bike Shed and Mint Methodist Church. The nearest car park is Mary Arches. Many buses stop at the High St stands nearby.

Details

The ancient close-of-the-day service of Compline, with plainchant and polyphony. Hosted by Margaret Aagesen Hughes (Soprano) and Clare Bryden (Alto). Featuring musicians Joshua Hamilton and Sarah Rimmington (Violin), Catherine Bradley (Cello), Andrew Maries (Oboe) and John Draisey (Piano), with Judy Burgess providing British Sign Language interpretation.

In 2023, our contemplative journey through Lent included a sequence of anthems by Andrew Wilson – “On the Holy Mountain” – setting a series of five bible readings that journeyed with Moses, Elijah and Jesus over the five mountains of Sinai, Horeb, Tabor and Olivet to Calvary. For 2024, we are honoured that Andrew has added a new movement for the mount of Ascension and re-scored “On the Holy Mountain” for soprano, alto, violins, cello, oboe and piano.

This celebration of Ascension will start with a selection of vocal and instrumental music chosen by us and the musicians, followed by a performance of the full sequence “On the Holy Mountain”. The evening will conclude with the service of Compline, as sung in previous years, incorporating an anthem and instrumental music. There will be opportunities for reflection through the simplicity of the setting, the beauty of the music, and the periods of silence.

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Event Date

Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Venue

St Olave’s Church, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AT

Poltimore Music & Arts Festival announces first wave of live bands line-up

Exeter News Blog — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 06:11:03 +0000

The Music in Devon Initiative (MIDI) are announcing the first wave of live bands across two stages for the 2024 Poltimore Music & Arts Festival on Friday 22nd March and that tickets are now on sale: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/yay1hd0p/poltimore-festival-2024

Held in the grounds and the inside of Poltimore House over two days on May bank holiday Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th May, the live band line-up on the Main and Acoustic Courtyard stages will be:

The Main Stage; Sat 25th May

Drea and the Pandas 1-1.45pm

To be Announced 3-3.45

Pattern Pusher 5-5.45pm

Haytor 7-7.45pm

Free’Minds 9-9.45pm

The Scribes 10-10.45pm

The Acoustic Courtyard Stage; Sat 25TH May

3 Days of Wonder 12-12.45pm

Rosy Grace 2-2.45pm

Soot Sprite 4-4.45pm

Bradley the Busker 6-6.45pm

Kid Hyena 8-8.45pm

The Main Stage; Sun 26th May

Billie Bottle 1-1.45pm

The Upper Hand 3-3.45pm

Twilight of the Pleasure Gods 5-5.45pm

Rameagle 7-7.45pm

Moriaty 9-9.45pm

Datura Roots Collective 10-10.45pm

The Acoustic Courtyard Stage; Sun 26th May

Jacob Terry 12-12.45pm

Sonyechko 2-2.45pm

Just Liv and Bob 4-4.45pm

SVVIM 6-6.45pm

The Kabins 8-8.45pm

A second wave of line-up announcements will be made in due course regarding all the other performers, wellness practitioners, DJs and attractions.

Visitors will be able to explore hidden rooms inside Poltimore House with quality entertainment, secret cinemas, chill out lounges and markets. Outside, you can explore the historic grounds whilst diving into Main Stage performances, alongside local food and drink vendors with a variety of options for all tastes. Performances on the Main Stage will run at opposite timings to the indoor Acoustic Courtyard Stage, so you'll never have to miss a performance!

Wander through the Sacred Gardens and discover Wellness & Healing areas, with workshops and activities to help heighten the festival experience whilst looking after the body and mind. If you're lucky, you might even find the Hidden DJ Tent where you can party to your heart's content to the very best of Exeter University’s student DJs!

“We’re proud to announce a new era dawning with the 2024 Poltimore Music & Arts Festival by way of the first wave of a top-notch line-up. Crammed with south west talent, the festival is bigger than previous years, taking place over 2 days, with twice as many bands and acts than ever before.” says Nick Hall, Director of MIDI and Head Organiser.

“Our multiple-genre line-up is diverse by design with hip hop act the Scribes and their finesse in audience participation headlining Saturday and high-energy, retro-pop band Pattern Pusher also playing Saturday. Then we have quirky concept-prog jazz from Billie Bottle’s Temple of Shibboleth, Moriaty’s huge guitars and Afrofuturist psychedelic RnB from Sonnyechko. Also on the bill is a journey through an eclectic blend of roots reggae, smoky blues and jazz from Sunday headliner Datura Roots Collective. Then we move through Shoegaze from Soot Sprite, into old school folk & hip hop, experimental and dance music from Kid Hyena and special acoustic performance from electronic artist SVVIM and more!" continues Nick.

The festival was once Exeter’s only student-run festival and one aspect that makes Poltimore Music & Arts Festival a little different from most is that there will be students involved in all aspects of the event. The organisers hope to continue the tradition of giving valuable work experience to support students in entering the creative industries.

The University of Exeter’s ‘Access to Internships’ scheme has kindly funded the wages of two students to support Poltimore Festival, where they’ll gain valuable event management experience. They will be deeply involved in volunteering and work experience across a range of essential festival activities from stage management, to sound engineering, social media, reviews, design and marketing.

“Previous writers, photographers and designers from Student Magazine Exepose have gone on to work for major publications, including The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The BBC, OK! and Xbox 360 Magazine, so we’re really happy to continue to support young people getting started in the industry.” says Nick.

The Exeter Daily - Music

Leading musicians to perform at concert marking the Army Benevolent Fund’s 80th anniversary

The UK's Undisputed Kings of Jive "The Jive Aces"

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Event Date

Category

Venue

Exeter Symphony Orchestra present a concert of music by Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky

Dunsford Singers summer concert including Hiawatha's Wedding Feast

Tags

Image

Event Date

Category

Venue

Compline: a celebration of the Ascension

Tags

Image

Event Date

Category

Venue

Poltimore Music & Arts Festival announces first wave of live bands line-up