Train commuters treated to music on the move

Commuters on an early evening London Paddington to Exeter St David’s train were treated to a surprise series of mini concerts in each of the coaches.

Three of the UK’s top woodwind players entertained train travellers on the GWR service with a varied selection of works to publicise the Two Moors Festival which begins on Thursday (October 15).

The players, Jordan Black on clarinet, Holly Melia on flute and Jonathan Davies on bassoon, (pictured above) performed a selection of Mozart, a rendition of Danny Boy, Samba Alla Turca and even delivered a Charleston with gusto.

The musicians, more used to playing on concert platforms than station platforms, really enjoyed the experience and so did the passengers.

‘We had a bit of a learning curve in the first carriage, hanging on to our music,’ said Jordan Black, who was a woodwind finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year and has appeared as a soloist with the London Mozart Players. ‘We soon adapted to our new surroundings and we really enjoyed it.

‘The passengers were really supportive and I hope they will now come along to the Festival.’

Penny Adie, the Festival’s artistic director, was delighted.

‘We’re grateful to Great Western Railway for allowing us to do this,’ she said. ‘It’s not every day you hear top notch music on a train. But we hope it will encourage new audiences to the Festival and that they travel to the south west by train.’

Two Moors Festival has a special connection with the train route. It began15 years ago as an antidote to the foot and mouth outbreak with concerts held in a variety of venues across Dartmoor and Exmoor.

It has gained an international standing, attracting top musicians and singers. Audiences now travel from North American and most European countries to hear the music. This year’s festival features 29 concerts in 16 venues across the two moors, providing around 50 hours of top quality chamber music, opera and Lieder.

This year’s highlights include a baroque feast, performances of the Festival’s own opera Tarka the Otter in Exeter Cathedral and an appearance from legendary Russian pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja.

The Festival brings huge benefits to the south west, filling hotels and guest houses with concert goers who spend in restaurants and shops to the value of at least £300,000 during their visit, at a time when tourism business is seasonally quiet.

For more information please visit www.thetwomoorsfestival.com