Special classical concert featuring a virtuoso Devonian violinist
The young virtuoso violinist Joel Munday from Tedburn St. Mary, Devon returns to the county on 21st February to feature in a special concert in St. David’s Church, Exeter. He will be the soloist with the renowned Isca Ensemble Southwest under its Musical Director Roger Hendy.
Since graduating at the Royal College of Music, Joel is swiftly building a career as a soloist and chamber musician and now performs internationally as a soloist and chamber musician. He has recently become a Tillett Debut Artist. He plays a modern violin made by the London luthier Andreas Hudelmayer in 2024 and a professional bow by Daniel Schmidt to accompany his new instrument. The acquisitions were made possible by the support of over 100 donors. Joel was one of 11 musicians worldwide to receive the London Symphony Orchestra's Conservatoire Scholarship for the 2023/24 season. He is also supported by the UK Artists Directory and Making Music. His professional debut as soloist was with the London Mozart Players in March 2025 in a concert in Exeter Cathedral. A dedicated proponent of music of our times in addition to the masterworks of old, Joel has had the privilege to work with composers including Pēteris Vasks and Osvaldo Golijov. His mentors included Ani Schnarch, Daniel Rowland and Alina Ibragimova.
The concert on 21st February features a wonderful classical programme - Mozart’s ‘Marriage of Figaro’ Overture, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto followed by his Romance No. 2 and finally Mozart’s glorious Symphony No. 40 in G minor K550.
Interestingly, Joel was inspired by the interpretation and recordings of the Beethoven Concerto by world famous violinist Vadim Gluzman with whom he has worked in masterclasses. Following Gluzman’s lead, Joel has chosen to incorporate in his Beethoven concerto performance the stunning cadenzas written by Alfred Schnittke. Known for their polystylistic approach, Schnittke’s cadenzas utilise a technique of musical collage to bridge the gap between Beethoven’s era and the 20th century. They are distinctive because they do not just elaborate on Beethoven's themes but ingeniously quote a vast array of other famous violin concertos. It will make a truly unique and highly interesting performance of this famous concerto by Joel and the Isca Ensemble.
The concert is in aid of the British Red Cross International Aid Appeal and is not to be missed. Tickets £18 can be obtained in advance at www.iscaensemble.org.uk, www.ticketsource.co.uk or at the door at 7 p.m. For further details contact Roger Hendy. MD Isca Ensemble Southwest roghendy@gmail.com.
