‘Music in the Castle’
Choral Scholars and Senior Choristers of Exeter Cathedral
Friday, December 12th, at 7.30pm
Exeter Cathedral Choir singing for
Music in the Castle
Music in the Castle, centred on the magnificent James Wyatt Music Room in
Powderham Castle, with its newly-restored organ, celebrates Advent and
Christmas this year with a visit from Exeter Cathedral Choir, under their
Director of Music, Andrew Millington.
He explains:
"Christmas is a very special time for cathedral choristers, with extra concerts and musical events leading up to the big day itself. In Exeter cathedral, the season of Advent is observed with its austere atmosphere of expectation, something rather lost on today’s secular and commercial society. Christmas Eve has a unique aspect at Exeter, with the Office of Grandisson, which opens the main Carol Service. This is a very atmospheric piece of liturgical theatre, marking the start of the Christmas festivities in music and ceremonial. It was devised by Bishop John Grandisson in the 14th century, and has been part of the Cathedral`s Christmas ever since."
In the Music in the Castle concert, the senior boy and girl choristers (aged 12-13) with the Choral Scholars (young adult singers) give a foretaste of the Christmas celebration with a wide variety of seasonal music from ancient to modern. Some of the music will be `a cappella`, but there will be accompanied items, using the beautifully restored organ at Powderham. There will be an opportunity to hear some solo pieces on the organ, and a chance for the audience to exercise their lungs and voices in some hearty favourites!
The organ, built in 1769 by Brice Seede of Bristol, was restored last year. The memorable ‘re-opening recital’ was given by three Cathedral organists, Andrew Millington, Director of Music; David Davies, Cathedral Organist; and Paul Morgan. No-one will forget the final piece, a duet in which the third organist reached through between the other two to enhance the composer’s intentions with his own fanfare!
We look forward to seeing you on Friday beside the roaring log fire in the State Dining Room, and our Christmas cheer will be further enhanced by complimentary mulled wine and mince pies during the interval, thanks to the generosity of anonymous sponsors.
If you haven’t yet bought tickets, there are a few still available - £15, (students and children £7)
Ring the Castle on 01626 890243.
Tickets can then be reserved for you to pick up at the door.
"Christmas is a very special time for cathedral choristers, with extra concerts and musical events leading up to the big day itself. In Exeter cathedral, the season of Advent is observed with its austere atmosphere of expectation, something rather lost on today’s secular and commercial society. Christmas Eve has a unique aspect at Exeter, with the Office of Grandisson, which opens the main Carol Service. This is a very atmospheric piece of liturgical theatre, marking the start of the Christmas festivities in music and ceremonial. It was devised by Bishop John Grandisson in the 14th century, and has been part of the Cathedral`s Christmas ever since."
In the Music in the Castle concert, the senior boy and girl choristers (aged 12-13) with the Choral Scholars (young adult singers) give a foretaste of the Christmas celebration with a wide variety of seasonal music from ancient to modern. Some of the music will be `a cappella`, but there will be accompanied items, using the beautifully restored organ at Powderham. There will be an opportunity to hear some solo pieces on the organ, and a chance for the audience to exercise their lungs and voices in some hearty favourites!
The organ, built in 1769 by Brice Seede of Bristol, was restored last year. The memorable ‘re-opening recital’ was given by three Cathedral organists, Andrew Millington, Director of Music; David Davies, Cathedral Organist; and Paul Morgan. No-one will forget the final piece, a duet in which the third organist reached through between the other two to enhance the composer’s intentions with his own fanfare!
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We look forward to seeing you on Friday beside the roaring log fire in the State Dining Room, and our Christmas cheer will be further enhanced by complimentary mulled wine and mince pies during the interval, thanks to the generosity of anonymous sponsors.
If you haven’t yet bought tickets, there are a few still available - £15, (students and children £7)
Ring the Castle on 01626 890243.
Tickets can then be reserved for you to pick up at the door.
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