WONDERING what to do in between the April showers? Fear not, for a classic music festival returns later this month.
The Teignmouth Classical Music Festival is returns on April 26, 27 and 28.
Organised by Vive La Musique, the festival’s fivefold aims are to: make classical music accessible to all; draw on local talent; combine the skills of professional and amateur musicians; encourage participation from all ages and commission new work.
This year’s programme features a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first BBC outside broadcast, when cellist Beatrice Harrison famously duetted with a nightingale, with Trio Exe (Alexandra Ennis violin, Hilary Boxer cello and Alex Wilson piano).
There is also a collection of romantic music with Ekaterina Shetliffe piano, Yulia Northridge violin and guest clarinettist Raphael Hitchen (Spring Romance), the youthful Isca Voices (former girl choristers at Exeter Cathedral), Choral Evensong with the St Peter’s Singers of Exeter Cathedral, and the infectious enthusiasm of the Exeter Youth Orchestra.
The festival will welcome an eclectic mix of performers at its signature mini-recitals on the morning of Saturday, April 27.
This will include local children and a wonderful soprano from Odessa, currently sheltering with her family from the war in Ukraine with hosts in Devon.
All events are excellent value, with some being free.
The variety of programming and the unexpected combinations of musical styles is set to delight and surprise once again.
In addition to the public events, the festival has organised free concerts and singing sessions at Hazeldown, Our Lady and St Patrick’s and Teignmouth Community School primary schools.