A Devon-based orchestra has left its usual habitat of rehearsal studios and concert
halls behind to take part in a very different kind of photoshoot promoting its
latest concert.
Members of the Exeter Symphony Orchestra recently went wild to promote 'A Concert
for Wildlife' which takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 16th July at Exeter Cathedral.
The concert, which is being generously supported by South West Water, aims to raise
funds for the charity Devon Wildlife Trust. It seemed only natural to the organisers
that the musicians should pose with their instruments in the great outdoors at the
Trust's Bystock Pools nature reserve, near Budleigh Salterton. In full concert
dress, members of the orchestra took part in the promotional photoshoot against a
backdrop of gorse, heather and bird song.
Mike Elsey of Devon Wildlife Trust is organising 'A Concert for Wildlife' and
explained:
"We want the event to bring together the beauty of classical music with the beauty
of Devon, its wild places and wildlife. The idea for the photoshoot came from this.
The concert's aim is to raise funds to allow Devon Wildlife Trust to continue to
care for its 50 nature reserves. So what could be better than taking the musicians
to one of them, the wonderfully wild Bystock nature reserve?"
It was a new experience for the musicians. Miles Leonard, Chairman of Exeter
Symphony Orchestra said:
"It certainly was a beautiful and surreal morning we all spent at Bystock Pools
having the portraits taken by photographer, Matt Austin! As well as putting on our
own concerts, we're also really keen to engage with the wider community, so it's
great to be involved with Devon Wildlife Trust, following on from recent successful
projects with ABF - The Soldiers Charity and Da Capo Youth Ensemble."
For this special concert the Exeter Symphony Orchestra will be featuring the
international violinist, Tamsin Waley-Cohen. The musical programme of well known,
popular pieces has been specially chosen because of their strong links to nature.
The programme will include The Wasps Overture, by Ralph Vaughan Williams; Violin
Concerto, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, by
Benjamin Britten; The Overture from Die Fledermaus, by Johann Strauss; On Hearing
the first Cuckoo in Spring, by Frederick Delius; Prélude a L'aprés midi d'un Faune,
by Claude Debussy; and Tintagel, by Arnold Bax.
The Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust Harry Barton said:
"I'm delighted that the Exeter Symphony Orchestra has agreed to perform a
fundraising concert for us and at such a wonderful venue as Exeter Cathedral.
Devon's exceptional wildlife brings colour, beauty and wonder to our lives. The
musical programme includes some of my personal favourites, and is a reminder of how
many of the greatest pieces of music ever written have been inspired by nature. It
promises to be a fabulous evening."
A Concert for Wildlife is one of a spring and summer calendar of events being
organised by Devon Wildlife Trust designed to showcase local nature. The events are
being generously supported by South West Water and also include:
·
- Wembury Marine Centre Schools Education Programme - South West Water's
support will ensure that 50 schools and more than 2,000 school children are able to
visit Wembury Marine Centre and learn about the incredible local coastal wildlife.
·
- Bystock Discovery Day - Tuesday 26 July . This wonderful East Devon
nature reserve (near Exmouth) opens its doors and its wildlife secrets to the
public. Supported by South West Water.
Alan Hyde, Head of Communications at South West Water, said:
"Our partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust is about protecting the environment and
supporting schools and communities to learn about and get involved in the natural
world around them. This inspired concert celebrates the sights and sounds of
wildlife with a selection of musical masterpieces. It should be a great occasion."
Miranda Krestovnikoff, television presenter of Coast, The One Show and Inside Out is
also involved in the Concert for Wildlife event:
"As a musician and one who is passionate about wildlife, this evening combines two
of the most important aspects of my life and I am delighted to be there with my
family to support it. Prélude a L'aprés midi d'un Faune by Debussy is one of my
all-time favourite orchestral pieces - being a flautist myself, I have played that
haunting solo many time but it still never ceases to move me. The wildlife-related
programme will be popular for nature lovers and music enthusiasts alike and I hope
this event will be a great fundraiser for Devon Wildlife Trust."
Julia Iddon - violinist, Exeter Symphony Orchestra - Photo copyright Matt Austin (All rights reserved)
Soloist Tamsin Waley-Cohen - Photo copyright Patrick Allen (All rights reserved)
Garry Lester - double bassist, Exeter Symphony Orchestra - Photo copyright Matt Austin (All rights reserved)
Miranda Krestovnikoff - Photo copyright Epic Photography (All rights reserved)
Sophie Brewer - flautist, Exeter Symphony Orchestra - Photo copyright Matt Austin (All rights reserved)
Tickets for 'A Concert for Wildlife' which takes place at Exeter Cathedral at 7.30pm
on Saturday 16th July are priced from £12 and are available
or by calling 01392
285983
In addition to South West Water, other sponsors and partners include Tozers, Nissan
Exeter, Active Devon and Devon Life.
