Exeter Festival Chorus has a proud history of exciting and innovative choral performances in venues in Exeter and the southwest. Fundamental to our exciting history is the performance of major choral works with top soloists and orchestras in Exeter Cathedral. These concerts are a highlight in the cultural calendar in Exeter and indeed South Devon, however they are costly.

A message from our Musical Director, Andrea Brown https://exeterfestivalchorus.org.uk/index.php/support-us/justgiving-for-bach-b-minor-mass

Link to reviews:https://exeterfestivalchorus.org.uk/index.php/reviews

In early July we bring the iconic Bach B-Minor Mass to Exeter. We are fortunate to be able to draw on a strong base of local professional instrumentalists and soloists, however as the fees for top soloists, instrumentalists and venues increase so does the cost of concerts such as this.

This incredibly powerful piece was composed when Bach could reflect on all the choral music he had composed over many years and draw from this immense, complex and inventive repertoire to produce a work that combines a wide variety of material whilst also being holistic in its entirety. The tension of the opening chord, sung by the entire chorus, sets the tone for this mystical work. Bach wrote some of his most profound melodies for this work, and the amazing texture of the choir's counterpoint is perhaps his greatest achievement in choral music. However Bach’s intention was to reflect his faith, rather than merely his artistry, also building on St Augustine’s view that ‘The one who sings prays twice’.

Devon Baroque strive to ensure that this performance is as close as possible to that first heard by Bach. Devon Baroque is a highly respected chamber orchestra, performing on period instruments, with a reputation for exuberant and polished performances of Baroque repertoire. It matches scholarship with a strong musical personality, bringing music alive to contemporary audiences. It is also the only fully professional orchestra in the South West specialising in Baroque music. It is great to be able to perform with such a local group knowing that they are also world class professionals in this field.

Amongst our quintet of professional soloists, both Bethany Partridge and Elizabeth Drury, our Soprano soloists, began singing here in Exeter whilst Benjamin Irvine Capel, our Counter Tenor, is a current choral scholar at the cathedral. Timothy Dickinson, our Bass soloist, has been singing this piece since a schoolboy. He contrasts the two bass solos, one being a noble duet with the Horn and the second being very joyful and propulsive, and he is focussed on bringing poise and refinement to each. John Upperton is making a very welcome return to Exeter after joining us as a stunning Gerontius last summer.

EFC is keen to attract only the best singers, and whilst members do pay a significant subscription each year it is important that this is kept at a level that does not prevent the best singers from joining. Similarly EFC is keen that tickets do not become so expensive that our audience cannot afford to support us. We also offer heavily subsidised tickets for the younger generation to ensure a strong future for the Arts. Thus we are looking to you – supporters of EFC, Choral Music, Exeter and the Arts to help fund this performance – a highlight in the calendar for the Arts in Exeter. We are looking to raise £3,500 and appeal to you for support.

Thank you.