nadsa concerts
Newton Abbot and District Society of Arts
Classical Music Concerts
Events and Tickets
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Concert Reviews
Read our entertaining write ups and find out why people love our professional concerts and events
Newsletter
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Our Artists
1
Top-Tier Classical Performances
Experience live chamber music from international and award-winning artists, right here in South Devon.
2
Intimate Local Venues
Our concerts take place in welcoming spaces like the Courtenay Centre, with comfortable seating and excellent acoustics.
3
Easy Online Booking
Secure your seat in just a few clicks. Our booking system is simple, and help is always available.
About nadsa
nadsa, as it has been affectionately known for almost the whole of its existence, was given the title of ‘Newton Abbot and District Society of Arts’ by its founding fathers back in 1946. Its Constitution stated:
“The Objects of the Society shall be to promote, maintain, improve and advance the education of the public in the arts and sciences of music, opera, ballet, drama, film, photography, literature, painting, drawing and sculpture by the presentation of performances, exhibitions and other activities.”
In those heady post-war days nadsa did attempt to improve all aspects of the cultural education and experience of the returning heroes and surviving civilians, but very soon it was facing the first of its several financial crises, and cut back on its over ambitious aspirations to concentrate on live chamber music. And this is what it still continues to do today, bringing world-class classical musicians to perform in the Newton Abbot area, those who would simply not be heard here without nadsa concerts’ initiative.
A perusal of the list of illustrious past performers makes astonishing reading.
Every season features at least one piano recital. Paul Lewis, Peter Donohoe, Martin James Bartlett, Margaret Fingerhut, Angela Hewitt, Peter Katin, Freddy Kempf, Piers Lane, Noriko Ogawa, Ronan O’Hora, Martin Roscoe, Howard Shelley, Kathryn Stott, Thomas Vasary and Oleg Marchev have all performed at least once.
Jacqueline Du Pre gave a recital early in her career. Janet Baker has sung for us. Violinist Nicola Loud, oboist Nicholas Daniel, and cellists Richard May and Richard Harwood, are among those who performed as young musicians. Ensembles have included the Haffner and Galliard Wind Quintets, and the Allegri, Danté, Duke and Fitzwilliam String Quartets. Organists have included John Scott, David Briggs and David Goode – singers, Ben Luxon, Patricia Rosario and Evelyn Tubb. Collegium Regale, the Choral Scholars of King’s College, Cambridge, have performed here. Then there have been Craig Ogden and Carlos Bonnell, solo guitarists, and harpist Catrin Finch, during her reign as Royal Harpist to the Prince of Wales.
nadsa concerts looks forward to its next 25 years, continuing this tradition of excellence, whilst constantly developing its Concert Series to promote an ever widening variety.
We are very grateful to the following for their continued financial support:
Do I need to be a member to come to a concert?
Not at all — everyone is welcome! You can book individual concert tickets without being a member.
But here’s the bonus: NADSA membership is the best way to support live classical music in our region.
So whether you’re joining us for a single evening or the whole season — you’ll always be warmly welcomed.
Members enjoy:
What Members Are Saying
Testimonials
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Piano Trio
“A rich, dramatic evening of Viennese music—flawless technique, captivating storytelling, and exceptional chemistry between three world-class performers.”
Jolente De Maeyer & Nikolaas Kende
“Stunning virtuosity, emotional depth, and masterful programming—an unforgettable evening that thrilled, challenged, and moved the entire audience.”
Young-Choon Park
“A masterclass in interpretation—Young-Choon Park blended subtlety, power, and poetic silence into a captivating and deeply personal performance.”
Mike Greenway
“Callino Quartet delivered depth, drama, and delicacy—an unforgettable blend of classics and contemporary, performed with absolute finesse and connection.”