Exeter School pupils' charity concert

For the 13th year running, Exeter School musicians and singers will be performing a special charity concert next week to raise funds for international charity WaterAid. The concert will take place on Wednesday 7 May, at St David's Church in Exeter, at 7.30 pm.

Proceeds from this concert will go directly to WaterAid's projects in Zambia, where the funds will help some of the country's poorest communities gain access to clean water and safe sanitation.

The school's Chamber and Symphony orchestras will perform Bizet’s popular Carmen Suite, and parts of Schubert’s String Quintet, the Korngold film music from The Adventures of Robin Hood and the lovely slow movement from Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. 

The Chamber Choirs will perform several pieces including – Bruckner’s Locus Iste, Byrd’s Avbe Verum Corpus and Lauridsen’s O Nata Lux.  The Flute Choir, Jazz Band, Jazz sextet “Swunk” and Brass Ensemble will also showcase their talent.

Vanessa Ashton, WaterAid’s Regional Development Manager, said:  “We are delighted that Exeter School is continuing to support WaterAid and the work that we do in Zambia.  It’s so sad that every day, 2,000 children die of preventable diseases related to dirty water and a lack of safe sanitation, so this concert really will help to save lives.

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

The Headmaster and staff at the 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 twelve concerts have raised more than £ 30,000 - helping  over  2000  people gain access to safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation.

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.”

Tickets are available at the door or online from Exeter School’s 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.