Exeter Contemporary Sounds are rehearsing for "Back there on Earth" - first concert planned for the Exeter Phoenix in May

      While we were away . . .
A new quartet have been preparing music for us

Devon Baroque will be at Dartington for their English Baroque weekend next Friday, 23rd February. As always Margaret Faultless' lead violin will be complemented by the violin playing of Exeter violinist Julie Hill.

Another violinist, Emma Welton, recently joined clarinettist Chris Caldwell and flautist Hodder-Williams (with 'cellist Rick Bolton) for 'Music on The Edge' in Drewsteignton last Thursday (16th February) and will be with them again on Tuesday 27th March (postponed from the day before - Emma takes her choir on Monday nights!)

Violist Andrew Gillett was at Exeter Cathedral Chapter House with Vicky Evans 'Divertimento' quartet on Wednesday 8th February (details) - only shortly after appearing with the Divertimento Ensemble at Exmouth for Laurence Blyth's 'St John Passion' with the Exmouth Choral Society. Andrew and the quartet repeated their concert at Kingskerswell this Sunday (19th February) and will give two more performances at Totnes (Friday 2nd March) and Kingskerswell (Sunday 29 April).

'Cellist Jane Pirie is performing in the Exeter Central Library Music Room next Monday (27th February) with fellow 'cellist Hilary Boxer for 'Cello Chaconne' as part of Hilary's 'Tasty Music' season.

What is the connection between these four musicians?

They are the four members of an exciting new string quartet, 'Exeter Contemporary Sounds'. They are preparing for a concert entitled 'Back there on Earth'. A first performance is planned for the Exeter Phoenix in May.

They are already rehearsing an interesting selection of modern music - including works by Steve Reich.

They have also started a blog - www.exetercontemporarysounds.blogspot.com - where you can follow their progress. (You can also find the same link, titled 'Back there on Earth', in the list on the right hand side of this blog-screen.)

On the new blog there is already a slideshow of photos of the group at work, taken by Julie's husband, Simon Belshaw.

Simon may be persuaded to come in to the Phonic FM studios and tell us more about the project before too long . . .