Pupils play for water in fundraising concert

For the 14th year running, the talented young musicians and singers from Exeter School will perform a special charity concert to raise funds for international charity WaterAid. 

All proceeds from this concert, which takes place on at 7.30pm on Wednesday 29 April at St David's Church in Exeter, will go directly to WaterAid projects in Zambia, helping some of the country's poorest communities gain access to clean water and safe sanitation. 

Currently in Zambia, 5.2 million people have no access to a safe water source and 8 million people have nowhere safe to go to the toilet.

The school's Symphony Orchestra will perform Grieg's Morning and In the Hall of the Mountain King, while the Chamber Orchestra will entertain us with Vaughan Williams' March from the English Folk Songs Suite Folk Songs from Somerset; the 1st Movement from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Holst's St Paul's Suite. 

The flagship Chamber Choir will provide vocal numbers by Stanford, Purcell and Billy Joel and the younger pupils in the Concert Orchestra will perform an orchestral version of Bohemian Rhapsody by Freddie Mercury.

Peter Tamblyn, the Director of Music at Exeter School, said: “It is with great pride that we can bring this group of extraordinary pupils to St David’s and perform this concert for a charity that is so close to my heart.

“I lived and worked in Zambia for four years, and the state of the water supply there affected me and my family and friends directly.  I am very pleased that we are able to continue the efforts to raise funds to help out.”

Vanessa Ashton, WaterAid’s Regional Development Manager, said:  “We are delighted that Exeter School is continuing to support WaterAid’s lifesaving work in Zambia. 

“We’re so lucky in the UK to have clean, safe water at the turn of the tap, but 748 million people across the world are not so fortunate. A lack of access to safe water and toilets causes diarrhoeal diseases that claim the lives of 1,400 children every day. The money raised from this concert really will help to save lives.

“We wish to thank Bob Griffin, Headmaster of the school, for his long-standing commitment to this wonderful event.”

The Headmaster and staff at Exeter School have championed the concerts for WaterAid since 2002, providing pupils with an opportunity to showcase their musical talent in a high-standard production, while engaging their interest in global issues.  

So far, the previous thirteen concerts have raised nearly £30,000 - helping over 1,900 people gain access to safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation.

Tickets are available at the door or online from Exeter School’s Box Office at http://www.exeterschool.org.uk/box-office  (tel: 01392-258712).

Seats are priced at £7, with a concessionary price of £5 for children and students.

For information about WaterAid’s work in Zambia, please visit www.wateraid.org.