Nicola Howard & Patrick Taylor Soprano Recital "Classical Journey" Phonic FM 2-4pm Friday 29 December 2017

Nicola Howard
Soprano

Very special news for us at Christmas this year. Nicola Howard has made a special journey from Shanghai to be with us in Devon. On Saturday 30 December Nicola will join soprano Christine Marsden and mezzosoprano Carolyn Harries for a celebratory concert of 'Dartmoor Divas' at St Mary's Church in Dunsford - accompanied by Patrick Taylor.

In the meantime Nicola and Patrick will be in the Phonic FM studio on Friday 29 December at 2pm for the "Classical Journey". They have prepared a selection of live numbers for us to enjoy on air - details below:

1. Cole Porter: “Kiss Me Kate” (1953) “So In Love”
Fred Graham sends flowers and card to Lois Lane – but they’re delivered to Lilli Vanessi

Lilli reprises the love song from the opening scene – how togetherness makes her feel.

(Kathryn Grayson is Lilli Vanessi – Kate)

2. John Betjeman / Madelaine Dring : “Five Betjeman Songs”

V “Song of the Nightclub Proprietress”

3. Dominique Bonnaud & Numa Blés / Erik Satie: “La Diva de l’Empire” (1903)

A ‘Cakewalk’ – Early European take on American Jazz – inspired by John Philip Sousa
’The Empire’ was the Empire Theatre in Leicester Square – Paulette Darty

4. Alan & Marilyn Bergman / Michel Legrand: Yentl (1983) “Papa, Can You Hear Me?”

Barbara Streisand - Best Original Song.

5. Sheldon Harnick / David Baker “Someone is Sending Me Flowers” (1931)

6. Henry Pacory / Erik Satie: “Je Te Veux” (La Scala 1902) – for Paulette Darty

7. Robert Lopez / Jeff  Marx: “Avenue Q” (2002) “There’s a Fine, Fine Line”
Kate Monster (kindergarten teacher) to Princeton (graduate)

Première: National Music Theatre Conference, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center

Waterford Connecticut

8. Randy Newman: “Toy Story 2” (1999) “When She Loved Me”

Best Original Song – Sara McLachlan (Jessie about former owner Emily)

9. Bertolt Brecht / Kurt Weill: “The Treepenny Opera” (Berlin 1928) “Pirate Jenny”

Polly Peachum OR Jenny Diver – “Seeräuberjenny” will flatten London

10. William Butler Yeats / Karl Jenkins: “He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven”
(1955) ‘He’ is Aedh (with Michael Robartes & Red Hanrahan) the ‘Principles of Mind’

Aedh is besotted with ‘La belle dame sans merci’

11. Margaret Rose / Michael Head: “Star Candles” (1942)

 ‘Star Candles’ is The Southern Cross (Five gifts to the Christ child)

The Dartmoor Divas
St Mary's Church Dunsford
Saturday 30 December 3pm
A TEA TIME CONCERT
Soprano: Nicola Howard
                   Christine Marsden
Mezzo Soprano: Carolyn Harries
Piano: Patrick Taylor
Tickets: £5
Refreshments provided





Running Order for Saturday's concert:

1. Piae Cantiones: "Gaudete" (1582) - a cappella TRIO with Patrick

2. Margaret Rose/Michael Head: "The little road to Bethlehem" DUET (Carolyn & Nicola)

3. 15th Century Processional of St Mary's Chester: "Song of the nuns of Chester" TRIO a cappella

4. Margaret Rose/Michael Head: "Star Candles" SOLO (Nicola)

5. Paul Verlaine/Reynaoldo Hahn: Sept Chansons Grises (1891) - V "L'Heure Exquise" SOLO (Christine)

6. Robert Burns/Felix Mendelssohn: "Oh Wert Thou in the Cauld Blast" (1859) DUET (Carolyn & Christine)

7. William Shakespeare/Ralph Vaughan Williams: "When Icicles hang by the wall" SOLO (Carolyn)

     (Love's Labour's Lost Act V Scene 2 - Hiems, The Winter 1597)

8. Bob Wells/Mel Tormé: "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting 1945) DUET (Nicola & Carolyn)

      Nat King Cole 1946

9. John Dryden/Henry Purcell: Six Vocal Duets "Let Us Wander" DUET (Christine & Carolyn)

       "The Indian Queen" (1695)

10. Théophile de Viau/Reynaldo Hahn: "À Chloris" (Paris 1916) SOLO (Christine)

11. Christina Rossetti/ Bob Chilcott: "My Heart is like a singing bird" (tradional Scottish ballad) TRIO

12. Cole Porter: Kiss Me Kate (1949) "So in Love" SOLO (Nicola)

13. Felix Mendelssohn: The Shower of  Pearls "I would that my love" (1859) DUET (Christine & Nicola)

        I would that my love could flow in a single word . . .

14. Hector Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Été (1841) "Villanelle" SOLO (Carolyn)

15. Giovacchino Forzano/Giacomo Puccini: Gianni Schicchi (1918) "O Mio Babbino Caro" TRIO

16. Jules Barbier/Jacques Offenbach: Tales of Hoffmann, Barcarolle DUET (Nicola & Christine)

      "Belle Nuit, Ô Nuit d'Amour"

17. King Henry VIII: The King's Ballad" "Pastime With Good Company" - TRIO a cappella

18. George Gershwin: Porgy & Bess (1935) "Summertime" (1934)) SOLO (Carolyn)

19. Paul Verlaine/Reynaldo Hahn: "Offrande" (1891) SOLO "Christine"

20. Sheldon Harnick/David Baker: "Someone's Been Sending Me Flowers" SOLO (Nicola)

          Arranged by Roger Vignoles

21. Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne: "Let It Snow!" (Hollywood 1945) SOLO (Nicola)

22. Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart: The Boys from Syracuse (1938) "Sing for your Supper" TRIO

Stephen Beville New Year Piano Recital Westgate Christian Fellowship Monday 22 January 2018

Piano: Stephen Beville

Stephen Beville
Westgate Christian Fellowship
53 Bartholomew Street
Exeter EX4 3AJ
Monday 22 January 7:30 pm
NEW YEAR PIANO RECITAL

Stephen Beville is an internationally acclaimed pianist
having performed in cities across Europe.
For this New Year Recital he presents a selection
of children's musical classics including Schumann's Kinderscenen,
Mozart's Variations on the theme of 'Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star',
Sofia Gubaidulina's Musical Toys (1969) and music by Beethoven, Chopin & Grieg.
Fanfare Magazine: "His is certainly a career to keep one's ears open for"
Audiophile Audition: "'A poet"
Edvard Grieg: Arietta and Berceuse (from Lyric Pieces, Op 12 & 38)

W A Mozart: 12 Variations on a theme from ''Ah, vous diraj-je Maman''
                                (theme of Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star)

Sofia Gubaidulina: Musical Toys (1969)

                           interval

Robert Schumann: Kinderscenen, Op 15

Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata in E minor, Op 90

Frédéric Chopin: Berceuse, Op 57 Impromptu in F-sharp, Op 38

Tickets: £11 (U16 £5.50)
Exeter TIC: 01392 665885
Online Booking: TicketSource Includes Tea and Coffee

Exeter Chamber Choir Advent Carol Service Buckfast Abbey Wednesday 6 December 2017

Exeter Chamber Choir
Musical Director: Andrew Daldorph
Soprano Soloist: Anne Draisey
Advent Carol Service Buckfast Abbey
Wednesday 6 December

In addition to this Saturday's "Messiah" at Tiverton (East Devon Choral Society 9 December), Andrew Daldorph has also prepared three performances by the Exeter Chamber Choir. On Wednesday last week (6 December) the Choir were at Buckfast Abbey between Vespers and Compline to perform the annual Advent Carol Service

Accompanied on the Abbey organ by the Abbey Musician, Richard Lea, they performed a selection of beautiful pieces, along with carols for the whole congregation to join in. The introit to the service was Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" sung in the distant, but magically acoustic, transept. With its five resonators (including the tower above) the sustain is extraordinary to hear. Andrew and the choir made the most of the effect with their soft but carrying sound.

After an opening homily and prayer from Exeter's emeritus Anglican Archdeacon, The Venerable David Gunn-Johnson, the choir continued with a Bach chorale, "Gloria se dir gesungen" from the cantata "Wachet Auf", Richard Rodney Bennett's "There is no Rose", and "Von Himmel Hoch" from Bach's "Magnificat" and the traditional German song "Maria durch ein Dornwald gin", together with a congretational carol, "Of the Father's Heart Begotten".

Choir member Susan Gunn-Johnson read Jan Richardson's "Gabriel's Annunciation" and , after the congregation sang "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and the Choir sang the Coventry Carol (with a delightful and highly polished solo performance by soprano Anne Draisey) and "Heilige Nacht", Exeter Chamber Choir Chairman Bruce Hebbard read Kate Long's "The Meaning of Christmas".

After "It came upon a Midnight Clear", "The Holly and the Ivy" and "Ding Dong Merrily on High", David Gunn-Johnson led prayers and the Pater Noster, and the congregation ended the service with a rousing rendition of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", with many exquisite harmonisations by the choir. Richard Lea closed the proceedings with an energetic version of "Von Himmel Hoch" for organ.

The small but talented choir performed with great style and assurance, bringing a serene sense of sincerity and Christian goodwill to visitors and regular congregants alike. Andrew brought out the very best from all sections of the Choir, and made some very innovative interpretations of familiar favourite songs and carols.

Andrew and the Chamber Choir will be at Exeter Cathedral this Saturday (16 December) for a candlelit concert where they will sing the Bach extracts again, and Lauridsen's "Magnum Mysterium" as well as more baroque music by Monteverdi, Buxtehude, and Torelli. Andrew's own arrangement of "Away in a Manger" will also be included (see full details below).

On the following Tuesday (19 December) the Chamber Choir will be in the remote Teign Valley venue of 'The Great Barn' in Higher Ashton for their traditional informal Christmas concert to end their singing year. This venue is hard to find, but well worth the effort for the delightful atmosphere you will find there. Advance booking is advised, as this will be a very popular concert.

Exeter Chamber Choir
Exeter Cathedral
Saturday 16 December 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
BY CANDLELIGHT
Musical Director: Andrew Daldorph
J S Bach: "Wachet Auf " (extracts)
                          & "Magnificat"
Claudio Monteverdi: "Beatus Vir"

(Beatus vir, qui timet Dominum:

      Blessed is the man who fears the Lord)
Dietricht Buxtehude:
               "Das Neugeborne Kindelein"
Morten Lauridsen: "O Magnum Mysterium"
Sir Edward Elgar: "The Snow"
Andrew Daldorph: Away in a Manger
Giuseppe Torelli: "Trumpet Concerto"

Trumpet Soloist: Paul Thomas

Tickets: Aisles £12/£6 Nave £24/£18/£12

Cathedral Box Office: 01392 285983

Details: Chamber Choir Website

Exeter Chamber Choir

Exeter Chamber Choir
The Great Barn, Higher Ashton
(directions - EX6 7QP)
Tuesday 19 December 7.30pm
CHRISTMAS AT THE GREAT BARN
Musical Director: Andrew Daldorph
Tickets: £10 (child £5 family £25)
Telephone: 01647 252552

East Devon Choral Society Handel's "Messiah" Tiverton Baptist Church Saturday 9 December 2017

East Devon Choral Society
Choir & Orchestra
Musical Director: Andrew Daldorph
Leader: Fiona McLean Buechel

Orchestra & Choir
Leader: Fiona McLean Buechel

As Christmas approaches, Handel's "Messiah" is increasingly embraced as the traditional anthem of Advent. And who better to recreate Handel's baroque masterpiece than Andrew Daldorph's East Devon Choral Society. At the splendid venue of Tiverton Baptist Church this mighty choir put on a magnificent performance this Saturday evening.

Trumpets: Brian Moore, Matt Francis
Timpani: Steve Douglas

The instrumentation was impeccable as always. Fiona McLean Buechel, who is now based in Bournemouth and working increasingly in London, was nevertheless with us - and playing with her trademark gusto and precision. A joy to watch. Her orchestra were equally impressive. The softer solos were accompanied by the delicious trio of Fiona's violin, Hilary Boxer's 'cello, and Colin Pettet's chamber organ, while the rousing choruses exploited the full power of the orchestra - with the addition of Brian Moore and Matt Frances playing trumpets, and Steve Douglas playing timpani.

Soprano: Amy Daldorph

Alto: Verity Stroud

Sadly, Tim Mirfin was not able to bring his mellifluous bass tones to the performance on this occasion, because of a respiratory infection. His understudy, Exeter School's Head of Modern Languages Michael Latimer, was a most satisfactory replacement and his rich baritone quite a revelation. Amy Daldorph's soprano was sweet and uplifting, while Verity Stroud was sensational as alto soloist with her robust bass notes bringing a distinctly emotive flavour to the proceedings. Daniel Thomson's tenor recitatives and arias were soft and seductive, and his duet with Verity in Part III was a delight.

Bass: Michael Latimer

Tenor: Daniel Thomson

The Choir were excellent throughout. Andrew's preparation had been immaculate, and his precise attention to the many ornamentations in each part paid dividends on the night. The mood was just right at all times, and led the audience on that familiar journey through scripture, with its convolutions and contrasts, with the perfect amount of emotion and passion. The joy shone out in the faces of the choir members as they rejoiced in the story of resurrection to eternal life - in a world made perfect.

"The trumpet shall sound"
Brian Moore

"Hallelujah"
Second Desk: Pippa Cotterill
Oboe: Andrew Marlies

The "Hallelujah" chorus is always the emotional high-point of any performance of the "Messiah", and the full choir brought an exceptional amount of power and excitement to the big moment. Andrew himself, and many in the audience were singing too, filling the nave with glorious sound. Even after that extravaganza of excitement, the choir were on perfect form for the corollary, "Since by man came death", and Brian Moore incredibly had more than enough breath left for a splendid performance of "The trumpet shall sound" with Michael Latimer.

"O death! Where is thy sting?"
Verity Stroud & Daniel Thomson

After Verity and Daniel's duet and Amy's air, "If God be for us", the choir had the last word with the moving final chorus, "Worthy is the Lamb".

"Worthy is the lamb"
Amy Daldorph, Verity Stroud,
Daniel Thomson, Michael Latimer
'Cello: Hilary Boxer

Ponderous and portentous, the words rang out with clarity and depth. with more clarion augmentation from the trumpets and timpani the whole work was brought to a rousing conclusion, sliding finally into the prolonged and mournful "Amen" drawing out the uplifting experience for just a little longer.

Four magnificent soloists
Soprano: Amy Daldorph  Alto: Verity Stroud
Tenor: Daniel Thomson  Bass: Michael Latimer
Musical Director: Andrew Daldorph

To Handel, Andrew Daldorph, and his exceptional choir and orchestra, heartfelt thanks for a sensational and memorable evening of baroque magic. A first class performance!

Violins: Pippa Cotterill, Fiona McLean Buechel
Sopranos: Lisa Hellier, Sally Daldorph, Imogen Daldorph
Tenor: George Daldorph

Claudia Álvarez Calderón & Simon Dunbavand "Christmas Spirit" Album of Songs for Coloratura & Organ Recorded at St Andrew's Church Paignton November 2017

Claudia Álvarez Calderón is well known to Soundart Radio. She has appeared on the 'Classical Journey Redux' show many times, often singing a cappella for the enjoyment of Totnes listeners. She has also been heard many times singing at various venues in the town. Last Summer Claudia collaborated with the sensational 'Classical Duo Elegance' of Ekaterina Shetliffe and Yulia Northridge at St Mary's Church Totnes and Lupton House in Paignton. This year Claudia has toured the South Hams providing five lucky villages with a 'Diva on your Doorstep' - accompanied on the piano by Simon Dunbavand.

The delightful coloratura singing of Claudia Álvarez Calderón has now been combined with Simon Dunbavand's subtle and beautiful organ playing, in an album of recordings made at St Andrew's Church in Paignton in November this year. Simon's organ accompaniment provides a very gentle festive atmosphere while Claudia's singing is as spectacular and moving as ever.

Well known favourites from Claudia's Christmas concerts at the Catholic Church in Totnes are included along with some new and equally lovely seasonal songs. Sacred and secular music from many nations for Christmas in one highly enjoyable collection - "Christmas Spirit".

1. Dr Theodore Marier (Organ Arrangement): "A Child is Born"
2. Max Reger: "Maria Wiegenlied"
3. Franz Schubert: "Ave Maria"
4. Johann Sebastian Bach / Charles Gounod: "Ave Maria"
5. Saverio Mercadante: "Salve Maria"
6. Anthony Petti / Michael Pretorius: "Es ist ein Ros Entsprungen" (A Noble Flower of Judah)
7. Traditional 'Vilancico' (Spanish Carol): "Los Peces en el Rio" (The Fishes in the River)
8. St Alphonsus Liguori: "Tu Scendi dalle Stelle" (You Descended from the Stars)
9. Rt Rev James Chadwick: "Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes" (Angels we have heard on High)
10. Franz Xaver Gruber: "Stille Nacht" (Noche de Paz - Silent Night)
11. Adolphe Adam: "Cantique de Noël" (O Holy Night)

There will be an opportunity to experience 'Diva on your Doorstep', and sample some of the tracks from the new album, at Claudia and Simon's final "Access all Arias" concert at Torre Abbey next Thursday evening. Their new album will be on sale, and is also available from Claudia's Website

Claudia Álvarez Calderón

Diva on Your Doorstep
Torre Abbey
Thursday 21 December 7.30pm
ACCESS ALL ARIAS!
Baroque to Bernstein
Soprano: Claudia Álvarez Calderón
Piano: Simon Dunbavand
Tickets: £10 (U16 FREE)
Box Office: 07432 231339
Details Online: Claudia's Website