Exeter School's National Trust concert

For many pupils, parents and National Trust supporters, the Exeter School Concert in aid of the National Trust in Exeter Cathedral is a favourite in the calendar.

For the sixteenth year running, the concert showcases the school’s senior orchestral groups, brass and choirs in the magnificent cathedral setting.

Around 200 pupils ranging in age from 11 up to 18 will be making this year’s concert on Tuesday 6 December a night to remember.

Director of Music Peter Tamblyn said: “In such an impressive venue, the annual National Trust Christmas Concert at Exeter Cathedral is a highlight of the year, even in such a busy and exciting programme of events as we have at Exeter School.

“This concert remains a favourite for the whole school community, and the children prepare for weeks in readiness,” he said. “The buzz of excitement that pervades the Music Department spills over on the day and lends a real energy to the evening.

“We look forward to Symphony Orchestra playing Christmas favourites as well as Rossini’s Thieving Magpie Overture, the Chamber Choir singing Poston’s Jesus Christ the Apple Tree and Rutter’s Sans Day Carol, and a selection of our other smaller choirs and ensembles performing pieces ranging from Samuel Scheidt’s Puer Natus to Winter Wonderland and the challenging Latin lyrics of Rudolphus Rubrinasus (“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” in the vernacular). 

“There will also be five audience carols and a selection of festive readings.”

Phillip Smart, General Manager of Killerton, a 6,500 acre estate close to Exeter, said: “At the heart of the National Trust is the simple idea that people love historic, beautiful and natural places – and it’s our core purpose to look after them for ever, for everyone.

“This festive concert is a great opportunity to promote our ongoing conservation work to keep caring for houses, gardens, countryside and coastline,” he said. “These events help to raise vital funds to keep places special for the continued enjoyment of the community.”

Elizabeth Stephenson, Chair of the Exeter and District National Trust Centre, said: “Over the last five years, with the help of the Exeter community, we have raised nearly £40,000 to help the National Trust safeguard beautiful places for future generations to enjoy.

“Recent projects we have funded include conservation work on Agatha Christie’s boathouse at Greenway, iPads for disabled visitors at Buckland Abbey, restoration of the cider press at Bradley Manor and a visitor buggy for Killerton,” she said.

Pre-booking tickets is advised for this event; tickets are available on the school box office www.exeterschool.org.uk/box-office or from the National Trust Exeter and District Centre (contact: Elizabeth Stephenson on 01392 461787).