NADSA News - October 2021

First, a big thank you to all who stepped into the unknown last month and came to our first concert held under restrictive circumstances; I’m sure you felt that in practice, it all worked out very well and perhaps wasn’t as difficult as you might have feared.

To remind you what this means: (no, this notice won’t become a regular feature unless something changes!)

• Ticket sales will only be online, in advance: there will not be any ‘walk-in’ tickets available at the door. The adult price will be £15 (discounted to £12 for full members) or £5 for students, and there is no charge for accompanied children. Go to https://nadsa.co.uk/tickets/ and create an account to register and then to book for any concert. If regulations change and a concert has to be cancelled, you will be refunded.

• Numbers are limited, so some concerts may sell out quickly. There will be more seats set out than required, so that you can space yourselves in your preferred groups.

• Please bring a face-mask, to be worn when moving through the common areas including the hall, but once seated you may remove it. And don't forget to use the hand sanitiser provided at the door when you arrive.

• The interval will be minimal, to allow for essential toilet use, and there will be no refreshments available.

• Since the wheelchair lift will not be in service, disabled access can be made available by prior arrangement with Sue Collman on 01626 368318 .

After a cracking start to the season from the Katona Twins, this month we’re pleased to welcome another internationally acclaimed artist, pianist Mark Bebbington. On his recent European tour with the Czech National Orchestra he delighted audiences and critics alike, and his recordings of British music have been consistently awarded top honours. Indeed his Poulenc album has just been shortlisted for this year’s ‘Gramophone’ awards. Read more about Mark here http://markbebbington.co.uk/ .

His programme for us will include one of his celebrated John Ireland pieces, ‘Sarnia’ – an Island Sequence: César Franck’s Prelude, Chorale and Fugue, and two Liszt transcriptions: ‘Liebestod’ from Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde, and a Concert Paraphrase of Verdi’s Rigoletto. A programme to enthral everyone, so book early to ensure your place – this promises to be another evening to remember.

Of course none of our live music could happen without the loyal support of our sponsors and this concert is sponsored by The John Ireland Trust, together with E & D Humphries.

Elsewhere, not much to report again: Exeter Philharmonic Choir present a concert to include the Fauré Requiem in the Cathedral on Saturday 13th November, more information here https://www.exeterphilharmonic.org.uk/dbpage.php?pg=view&dbase=events&id=118395

The following weekend Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are at the Great Hall, Exeter on Friday 19th November with a Divertimento and Horn Concerto by Mozart followed by Bruckner Symphony no 0; details and tickets at https://bsolive.com/events/bruckner-with-kirill-poole/

Looking farther ahead on Saturday 20th, after more than a year since their last public performance, Devon Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to announce a return to Exeter Cathedral for their Autumn concert. This features Holst’s dazzling and ever-popular orchestral suite The Planets, as well as Rossini’s popular overture The Thieving Magpie.

Devon Philharmonic Orchestra is excited to be returning to performing as a full orchestra and is extremely grateful to the efforts of music director Leo Geyer. He has kept the orchestra playing together and developing as musicians over the past 18 months through online rehearsals, masterclasses and, where restrictions permitted, face-to-face chamber ensemble rehearsals. More details and tickets at https://www.devonphilharmonicorchestra.co.uk/whatson

And then of course there’s NADSA’s November concert on Sunday 21st featuring the Arcadia String Quartet – but more of that next month…

That’s all; stay safe
John R