The National Trust Exeter and District Centre are holding their annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday 9 December at Exeter Cathedral.

The centre plays a vital role promoting the work of the charity in the local area and raises money through all kinds of events for conservation and development projects.  However, the Christmas concert, which dates back to the 1970s, is the principal event in the Centre’s calendar and has raised over £15,000 in the past 10 years.

Since 2001 the concert has been performed by the pupils of Exeter School and is now also one of the highlights of their musical calendar.  Director of Music at Exeter School, Peter Tamblyn, said: “This event is always well attended by a loyal and festive audience of parents, pupils and friends of the National Trust and it kick-starts the festive season with some high-quality music making.”

As well as a performance by Exeter School’s Symphony Orchestra of the famous Adagio from Khachaturian’s Spartacus and the opening of Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, there will be a number of seasonal items.

“Our choirs will be singing traditional Christmas pieces such as Gaudete, and a contemporary carol Jesus Child by John Rutter,” said the School’s Director of Music. “There will be choral classics like Britten’s This Little Babe; Joubert’s Torches, Past Three O’clock; some Gabrielli and A Spotless Rose by Howells as well as congregational carols with a full orchestra and the newly refurbished cathedral organ.”

June Tipper, Chair of the National Trust Exeter and District Centre, said: “This is our largest annual event. Buying a ticket is an excellent way for the local community to support the charity while enjoying an evening of festive music.”

The concert will start at 7.30pm. Ticket prices are £13 for the nave (reserved); £11 for the side aisles (unreserved), children and students are half price. Tickets will be available on the evening for the side aisles only.

For further information or to book tickets, please telephone Elizabeth Stephenson on 01392 461787.