Exeter Philharmonic Choir to bring much-needed Christmas cheer this festive season

Exeter Philharmonic Choir will bring the joy of Christmas music to audiences at Exeter Cathedral again this year with two nights of carols on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December. In the run-up to what promises to be a challenging Christmas season for many, the uplifting sound of the Choir will be more welcome than ever. 

This year’s special guest is the internationally renowned soprano, Amy Carson, whose glorious voice will add extra sparkle to the two evening events. Musical Director Howard Ionascu has selected a beautiful programme from the rich tradition of carols, embracing well-known and less familiar tunes from the gentle to the rousing. Audience members are invited to add their voices as they join in with old favourites. 

Stephen Tanner, the choir’s associate director of music, will work his magic on the organ and piano. The choir will sing an exciting new version of Silent Night which Howard has invited Stephen to arrange, featuring Amy Carson, the choir and organ. It’s based on Franz Gruber’s famous original composition with subtle variations on the well-known tune.

Exeter Philharmonic Choir is proud of its tradition of raising funds for charity every Christmas. This year, EPC is pleased to be supporting Exeter-based charity, Dream-A-Way, whose representatives will be collecting donations at the end of the concerts.

Jeff Merrett MBE, Chairman of Dream-A-way, says: “Dream-A-Way is honoured to have been chosen as Exeter Philharmonic Choir’s charity at the Carol Concerts at Exeter Cathedral on the 13th and 14th December - two great evenings to look forward to.

"With the generosity of the audience, Dream-A-Way hopes to raise funds which will make a massive difference to our work with local people of all ages with any disability or life-limiting illness.”

The carol concerts are sponsored by Everys Solicitors and Clinton Devon Estates.  This year, the concert programmes will be free to audience members.

Tickets can be purchased online: exeterphilharmonic.org.uk