National Trust 2009 Christmas Concert, Exeter Cathedral
The School's new Director of Music makes his Cathedral début
The National Trust Christmas Concert is always an annual highlight in Exeter School's musical calendar.
On 9 December, for this year's event, the Cathedral was packed and the congregation much enjoyed the chance to appreciate the school's major musical ensembles and to sing four carols.
The Symphony Orchestra opened with a sprightly rendition of Jupiter from Holst’s The Planets. The Chamber Choir performed twice, combining Christmas cheer through arrangements of In Dulce Jubilo and The Holly and the Ivy with the sublime Totus Tuus. The Senior Choir followed the nativity theme with arrangements of De Virgin Mary had a Baby and Away in a Manger. The Brass Ensemble trumpeted the good news that a child is born from Schütz. Readings were given by Lucy James, Seb Sutcliffe and Leander Crocker-Digby.
Various soloists made a huge impact: Mathis Stier played Bozza selections on bassoon, Bethany Partridge sang a Purcell aria and Hugo Marino played a Sulek sonata on the trombone. Several Crazy for You numbers were reprised joyfully by Ed Pocock, supported by Brittany Harris, Sophie Hopkins, Beth Partridge and Artemis Crowley.
This was the first major public concert given under the overall direction of the school's new Director of Music, Mr Peter Tamblyn, with individual ensembles under the direction of Mrs Rachel Mitchell, Mrs Fiona McLean, Mr Julian Sutton and Mr Brian Moore, and with Mr Andrew Daldorph as expert accompanist.
