Alvin M. Keeling 
Published:
12:00 a.m. March 10, 2022
The oldest choir in the South West – made up of members from across Devon – celebrates its 175th anniversary.
The Exeter Philharmonic Choir celebrates 175 years of uninterrupted performance with a special concert at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 12 March.
The choir will perform Brahms’ great work, Ein deutsches Requiem, joined by the celebrated London Mozart Players and two of the UK’s most exciting soloists: soprano Jessica Cale (2020 Kathleen Ferrier Award winner) and baritone Timothy Nelson.
The program also includes Lo, The Full, Final Sacrifice by Gerald Finzi, a rare opportunity to hear this piece accompanied by a full orchestra.
Since its founding in 1846, the choir has achieved the remarkable feat of performing every year in the city, despite wars and pandemics. This includes performance in 2020 and 2021, immediately before and after the Covid-19 shutdowns.
The choir’s audience and its 120 members come from all over Devon; a true Devon-wide choir that is always on the lookout for new members.
Music Director Howard Ionascu is a highly experienced conductor, and his other choirs include the famous Winchester College Chapel Choir. Howard said: “Performing Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, accompanied by the brilliant London Mozart Players, will be the highlight of our 2021/22 season. It’s always exciting to perform in the awe-inspiring setting of Exeter Cathedral, especially when we manage to combine the sound of the choir with that of a world-class orchestra and two exceptional soloists.
The Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s 175th season ends in May in somewhat less familiar territory, with a jazz concert at Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth.
The EPC website has full details and booking links for both concerts: www.exeterphilharmonic.org.uk
