FOR many pupils, parents and National Trust supporters, the Exeter School Concert in aid of the National Trust, held in Exeter Cathedral, is a favourite in the calendar.

For the sixteenth year running, the concert, which takes place on Tuesday, December 6, showcases the school’s senior orchestral groups, brass and choirs in the magnificent cathedral setting.

Around 200 pupils ranging in age from 11 up to 18 will be making this year’s concert a night to remember.

Peter Tamblyn, Director of Music at Exeter School, said: “In such an impressive venue, the annual National Trust Christmas Concert at Exeter Cathedral is a highlight of the year, even in such a busy and exciting programme of events as we have at Exeter School.

“This concert remains a favourite for the whole school community, and the children prepare for weeks in readiness,” he said.

“We look forward to the Symphony Orchestra playing Christmas favourites as well as Rossini’s Thieving Magpie Overture, the Chamber Choir singing Poston’s Jesus Christ the Apple Tree and Rutter’s Sans Day Carol, and a selection of our other smaller choirs and ensembles performing pieces ranging from Samuel Scheidt’s Puer Natusto Winter Wonderland and the challenging Latin lyrics of Rudolphus “Rubrinasus” (Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer in the vernacular). There will also be five audience carols and a selection of festive readings.”

Phillip Smart, General Manager of Killerton, a 6,500 acre estate at Broadclyst, Exeter, said: “At the heart of the National Trust is the simple idea that people love historic, beautiful and natural places – and it’s our core purpose to look after them for ever, for everyone.

“This festive concert is a great opportunity to promote our ongoing conservation work to keep caring for houses, gardens, countryside and coastline.

“These events help to raise vital funds to keep places special for the continued enjoyment of the community.”

Pre-booking tickets is advised for this event and they are available via the Exeter School box office: www.exeterschool.org.uk/box-office or from the National Trust Exeter and District Centre (contact: Elizabeth Stephenson on 01392 461787).

Alan Quick