Gloria! East Devon Choral Society and Guests perform Vivaldi Gloria & Handel Coronation Anthems St Peter's Church Tiverton Saturday 22 November

Special Guests
Soprano Beth Yates
Countertenor Owen Ravden

Saint Cecilia's Day each year is a time to honour the patron of sacred music with major recitals of baroque masterpieces in a church setting. This year Andrew Daldorph and his East Devon Choral Society were at St Peter's Church in Tiverton to perform music by two great renaissance composers from Italy and Germany, Antonio Vivaldi and Georg Friderick Handel. They were joined by a small orchestra led by a very special guest visiting from Dumfriesshire, Fiona McLean Buechel.

The concert opened with the "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" (Glory to God in the Highest). Fiona led the orchestra in the introduction with her usual impeccable style. The opening "Gloria!" from the choir was powerful and appropriately full of passion. Under Andrew's skilled supervision a hundred voices rang out in perfect unison.

The choir has grown impressively in size with thirty sopranos and an even greater number of altos. Tenors and basses are more at a premium but held their own magnificently, with even the quietest passages perfectly balanced.

Among the choir were four very special guests. The sopranos welcomed soloists Rebecca Yates and her daughter Beth Yates, while the altos were joined by the spectacular countertenor Owen Ravden, and Nicholas Yates joined the tenors.

Every part of the Gloria was a delight and inspiration with some very memorable highlights. After the opening "Glory be to God in the Highest" ("and on Earth peace to men of good will") the orchestra introduced Rebecca and Beth singing the "Laudamus Te" (We Praise You).

Later there was an incredibly beautiful introduction and accompaniment to the "Domine Deus, Rex Coelestis" (Lord God, King of Heaven) by oboist Andrew Marlies with delicate pizzicato continuo from 'cellists Holly Molineux and Tirke Linnemann and double bass player Graham Tuck.

This was the opportunity for Beth Yates' voice to take centre stage. Beth is a Durham University modern languages scholar and, more recently, prize winner with her own choir the Phoenix Consort. Her singing was delicate and emotional, perfectly complementing Andrew's sensitive oboe playing.

The next revelation was fellow Durham graduate, and now Guildhall performance scholar, Owen Ravden, singing the "Domine Deus, Agnus Dei" (Lord God, Lamb of God) with exemplary control and feeling. Colin Pettet accompanied him on the chamber organ with the whole choir gently interjecting "Qui tollis peccata mundi" (Who takes away the sins of World).

Trumpet: Eloise Yates

The Gloria is in twelve sections, each of which was beautifully performed by the choir, building a feeling of tranquility and awe. A performance to remember.

Before the interval there was just time for one of the orchestra's trumpeters, Eloise Yates, to step up to perform a sensational trumpet concerto by Vivaldi's contemporary Giuseppe Torelli. Despite being in Devon for only a short time on this visit, Fiona had the orchestra perfectly prepared for Eloise's performance and Eloise herself played magnificently.

After the interval the rousing music continued with Georg Friderick Handel's most familiar Coronation Anthem, recently heard at the coronation of King Charles III. Even without reference to the programme notes the opening sinfonia was unmistakable and the triumphant roar of "Zadok the Priest" a joyous fulfilment joined by the percussive thunder of Sally Basker's tympani.

Soprano Special Guest: Beth Yates
Oboe: Andrew Marlies
Orchestra Leader: Fiona McLean Buechel

There followed three more of Handel's anthems, written for the coronation of George II in 1827. Each was a perfect addition to the evening's entertainment, sweetly enunciated and showing off the superb power of the choir's collective voices. There were also opportunities to hear Rebecca, Beth and Owen singing selected parts from their places in the choir. Also standing among the male singers were two tenor soloists, Alex Scott and Rebecca's husband Nicholas Yates, each contributing their own part to the excellent whole.

East Devon Choral Society has been in existence for fifty three years and is still as strong and impressive as ever. Every voice is heavenly and the entire force perfectly coordinated by their Musical Director, Andrew Daldorph. Tonight's concert at St Peter's Church was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and also a prime example of all that the choir represents: splendid music splendidly performed.

All this is achieved with only one rehearsal per week. Anyone interested in finding out more about the choir - and perhaps thinking about joining - can join the rehearsals at Moorhayes Community Centre on Monday evenings. Rehearsals for the next concert begin on the second Monday of the New Year - 2 January 2026.

And that next concert will be a celebration of modern English music, featuring the compositions of Sir Edward Elgar ('The Music Makers'), Ralph Vaughan Williams ('Five Mystical Songs'), Hubert Parry ("I was glad") and a very special arrangement of the canticle "Magníficat ánima mea Dóminum" ("My Soul doth Magnify the Lord") composed by Andrew Daldorph himself.

Many thanks to founder member and Vice-Chairman of the choir, Sue North, and her husband Victor North for publicising tonight's and every other concert by the East Devon Choral Society. Long may this very special Devonian tradition continue!

Choir and Orchestra stand to receive tumultuous applause.
Musical Director Andrew Daldorph is flanked by
Orchestra Leader Fiona McLean Buechel
and 'Cellist Tirke Linnemann

Carmen! Iryna Ilnytska & Exeter Opera Group perform Georges Bizet's 1875 Opéra Comique Exeter Castle Ballroom Saturday 8 November 2025 Mary Harris Memorial Chapel 22 November 2025 Teignmouth Classical Music Festival 7 March 2026

The arch-manipulator Carmen (Iryna Ilnytska)
seduces her captor Don José (Robert Felstead)
to avoid the consequences of her actions

Following the resounding success of the well attended 'Viva Verdi' recital in the Rougemont Room at  Exeter Library, featuring the voices of mezzosoprano Iryna Ilnytska, soprano Melanie Mehta and tenor Ian Spackman, with piano accompaniment by their new but delightfully familiar pianist, Tim Lawrence-Othen, The Exeter Opera Group returned in full strength for a fully staged performance of George Bizet's celebrated opéra comique - 'Carmen'.

The setting this time was the airy and sun-drenched ballroom of Exeter Castle, just a few hundred yards across Northernhay Gardens from the Rougemont Room at the library. A capacity audience watched and listened entranced as the performers, framed by the giant bay windows of the ballroom, and in the glorious golden light of the afternoon autumn sun streaming through them, recreated the stirring story of the rebellious and unpredictable cigarette factory worker Carmen and her many ill-fated lovers.

The action began very subtly with the tinkling of a tiny hand-bell, suggesting the 'tringles des sistres' (tambourine bells) which 'tintaient' (jingle) in the song and dance routine of Carmen and the 'zingarellas' (gypsy girls) which we know is soon to come. Having got attention, the Director stepped to the stage and explained briefly and succinctly the context of the opera's composition, and gave a brief synopsis of the action in the first half. This helps greatly with following the French lyrics (which are beautifully enunciated in any case!) The same introductory explanation was also provided for the second half.

Immediately the company's new pianist, Tim Lawrence-Othen, ably assisted by Exeter Opera regular Richard Lucas, launched into the rousing overture to the action. The cast assembled, identifying their characters through consummate silent acting and, after a big chorus to open, the first aria goes to St David's Players veteran Ian Spackman. As Morales, Corporal of Dragoons, Ian sings to the messenger Micaëla (Anna Tophill) explaining that the man she seeks (Don José) is not yet on duty.

Suddenly, as the bell rings to signal the end of the factory shift, Iryna Ilnystka appears as Carmen with her colleagues, and immediately begins her famous Habanera "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Love is a rebellious bird). As in many previous recitals Iryna's performance is utterly bewitching, as well as highly embarrassing to any available male cast members and even members of the audience. Iryna picks on each in turn, warning them how dangerous it is to court her affections, ending each interaction with the portentous words "Prends garde à toi!" (Watch it!)

Poor Ian is her final and most unfortunate victim. Stripped of his uniform and forced to the ground he is finally discarded by the temptress Carmen. Meanwhile Don José has appeared, his part performed by Swindon baritone Robert Felstead. Robert is a wonderful new addition to the Exeter Opera cast and, although initial mute as he observes Carmen's outrageous behaviour without being at all impressed, he later sings in duet with Anna Tophill who, as Micaëla, has brought a letter from his mother entreating him to leave the army, return home, and marry Micaëla. This complex and slightly embarrassing scene allowed both singers to demonstrate their spectacular abilities.

Almost immediately, Carmen is arrested by the Officer of the Guard, Zuniga, played by the powerful bass-baritone Nick Young, dressed imposingly in desert camouflage reminiscent of Norman Schwartzkopf. Because of the violent crime she is accused of, Don José is ordered to bind Carmen firmly so she cannot escape. Carmen uses her powers of seduction to convince Don José to fall in love with her and let her escape, even though he will be punished with prison. This is a deception from which Don José will never recover.

Carmen, who runs away to the mountains to live with the gypsies, is joined by two lascivious 'zingerellas', Frasquita and Mercedes, played by Clare Northcott and Rachel Phillips. The plight of poor Don José is soon forgotten as they sing their exhilarating trio "Les tringles des sistres tintaient" (The tambourine bells jingle). The singing and dancing are intoxicating and transport the audience into the exciting and invigorating world of the zingarellas.

As soon as they have finished their captivating performance, a new character appears. Stephen Moseley, resplendent in his 'trace de luces' (suit of lights) introduces himself as the torreador, Escamillo. Dashing and brave he laughs at death. What better person to succeed where others failed so tragically in their ill-considered involvements with Carmen. The whole cast welcome him as  their hero - including Carmen.

Although the opera is billed as 'comique', the arrival of this illustrious rival, and Don José's subsequent return lead to inevitable tragedy - which Micaëla tries vainly to avert. One has to be there to fully experience the following action and incredible singing and acting by the principles and cast. For the entire second half of the programme the audience were on the edge of their (highly ornate) seats gripped by a story which Bizet knew had it all - love, conflict, violence, regret - all expressed by the singers with exceptional dramatic flourish and musical accomplishment.

Many thanks to Iryna and her fellow Director Nick Lawrence for this spectacular production, and to their Musical Director - Escamillo himself, Stephen Moseley. One can't praise the accompanist Tim Othen enough for his masterful interpretation of the orchestral score of the opera as solo piano - alternating with the exceptional Richard Lucas with whom he played an elaborate game of musical chairs, swapping places to take turns playing and page-turning, and inadvertently adding beautifully to the action taking place on stage. And there is one more player to thank. The return of Don José is heralded by a trumpet fanfare provided by house trumpeteer, Harry Stanwell.

The opera is created all over again tonight at the Mary Harris Memorial Chapel at Exeter University's Streatham Campus, setting for Exeter Opera Company's 'Dido & Aeneas' in January this year (see previous post). For those unable to enjoy tonight's performance, there will be another opportunity to share this memorable experience at the 2026 Teignmouth Classical Music Festival where Exeter Opera Group will perform 'Carmen' in St Michael's Church Teignmouth (on the seafront) on the evening of Saturday 7 March - with a new billing of Suzanne de Lozey playing flute in place of Harry Stanwell's trumpet.

Meanwhile Iryna and Exeter Opera Group continue their series of operatic revues and staged performances. Follow Phonic FM's 'Classical Journey' programme and Luch Càise-Dearg for details of performances to come.