City choir’s concerts raise vital funds for local causes
Preparations are well underway for Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s upcoming concert in March which aims to raise funds for the Lord Mayor’s chosen local charity, the Exeter group of Riding for the Disabled.
It follows the success of the Choir’s two Christmas carol concerts which raised almost £6,600 to support the work of Exeter Leukaemia Fund.
The Lord Mayor of Exeter is the Choir’s Honorary President and their spring performance is always billed as ‘The Lord Mayor’s Concert.’
This year, the choir and four soloists will sing Handel’s majestic oratorio Solomon, a work not thought to have been performed in Exeter Cathedral since its composition in 1748. The concert is taking place on Saturday, 14 March.
Rich orchestration and some of Handel’s most exquisite choral writing combine in this rarely performed masterpiece, including the sparkling Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – one of the most recognisable compositions in the Baroque repertoire.
It’s envisaged that the rich sound of Endelienta Baroque will add another layer in the glorious acoustics of Exeter Cathedral.
‘So rarely performed in its entirety’
‘The choir would like to say a very big ‘Thank you’ to everyone who came to our carol concerts in December,’ says Howard Ionascu, EPC’s Director of Music.
‘We would also like to thank you for your incredibly generous donations to Exeter Leukaemia Fund. You helped us raise an amazing £6,599 to help support all the fantastic work they do!’
Image: Sharon Goble
‘We are now well into rehearsals for our Solomon concert on 14 March, which will be a very special night. We hope you can join us for this Baroque masterpiece, so rarely performed in its entirety.’
Organisers explain they’re looking forward to welcoming Martha McLorinan as the wise King Solomon; Amy Carson, who will double as his Queen and the Queen of Sheba; Hugo Hymas as Zadok the Priest; and Timothy Dickinson as the Levite.
Tickets are available from Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s website.
