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Lympstone South West Telecoms Brass Band | The Ottery Choral Society |
St David's Players | Penny Daw                         
                                                
The Exeter Symphony Orchestra

The Exeter Symphony Orchestra has its origins in the late 1930s, in association with the Cathedral based Exeter Musical Society. It became an independent enterprise in January 1989, and since that time the ESO has had just three musical directors and principal conductors – David Cawthra, Will McBurnie and, from September 2005, Brian Northcott.

The ESO programmes provide a wonderful opportunity not only for players in the Exeter area to take part in great symphonic works, but also for music lovers to hear “locally produced” music, and for young soloists to perform with the ESO, sometimes at the beginning of their careers. Because of the welcoming atmosphere, some have returned to give virtuoso performances, and such artists include Alexander Panizza, the acclaimed pianist who now lives and performs in Argentina , and the Fujita sisters.

The orchestra has steadily built a reputation for quality performances and interesting music, and it is not surprising that young soloists from all over the country want to join them. Already this year the Orchestra have welcomed Tasmin Little, the acknowledged violinist, and the pianist and composer Laurie Blundell.

The assistant conductor is Mark Perry ( see details under St David's Players) and the orchestra's leader is Gillian Crew.

For more information, including how to join the orchestra as a musician, become a Friend of the orchestra, or even help sponsor it, please contact the Chairman,
Bob Jevon on 01392 670369, or look at the ESO website:
www.exetersymphonyorchestra.co.uk

The Lympstone South West Telecoms Brass Band

It is thought that the band evolved from the Brass Band of the 1st Devon Artillery Volunteers (Lympstone Company). The band was present at the unveiling of the village war memorial in 1923 after the Great War of 1914 - 1918, and was then known as The Lympstone Silver Band.

One of the most famous of its former players is Paul Patterson, a composer of global repute, who played trombone in the band between 1960 and 1964. Cornettist Bill Crosdale, who retired from the band in 1997, is an honorary life member and Trustee having been a member for 30 years. David Adams, former principal cornet, celebrated 50 years in brass banding in 1998.

The Band play at a large number of events each year, including concerts, fêtes, carol services, Remembrance Day services, and similar events – even weddings. Being sponsored by Southwest Telecommunications, the Band also play at some of Exeter Chiefs' home rugby matches, and add to the build-up for the games. The Band are fortunate enough to have a converted chapel in Lympstone as their very own rehearsal rooms, which is also fully equipped as a concert and recording venue. Occasional concerts are held in that building each year. They regularly enjoy success at Band contests all over the country, and have even been successful at a contest in Amboise, in the delightful Loire area of France.

Website: www.lympstoneband.co.uk