ON Sunday, June 14, from 3pm, three local musicians will give a recital of English Song in Crediton Parish Church.

Featuring songs by composers including Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gerald Finzi and George Butterworth, the recital gives Spring its last gasp, before the onslaught of summer, alongside songs of devotion.

Baritone Philip Lancaster will be known to Crediton concert-goers, having appeared in recent performances of the St John Passion, Crucifixion, and Coronation Mass, and as director of The Crediton Singers; but he also performs widely as soloist in concert and recital across the country, including at the Three Choirs and English Music Festivals.

Pianist Alex Wilson has also performed in Crediton previously, both as piano soloist and accompanist, and has a similar national reputation, including appearances at the Cheltenham International Festival.

At the heart of their recital will be Edmund Rubbra’s beautiful meditation on The Cross and Passion: ‘Two Sonnets of William Alabaster’, for which they will be joined by viola player Leonie Anderson. There will also be songs by Frank Bridge, Kenneth Leighton, and Herbert Howells.

No tickets are required, and there is no need to pay to attend the recital. However, on the door, donations would be welcomed from those who are willing and able.