GALA CONCERT AT EXETER CATHEDRAL – 15^TH JULY 2023   by Rosalind Beetham

The day before the Gala concert at Exeter Cathedral, I invited 25 of our German choir guests to a traditional English homemade afternoon tea, including cucumber sandwiches! We all had a delightful time despite the rain, which miraculously stopped during tea time, enabling us to get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful Estuary views.  Many new friendships were made and lively conversation filled the room, in true twinning fashion – definitely a memorable afternoon for all of us.

As a member of the Exeter Twinning Circle and a retired member of Exeter Festival Chorus, I looked forward with anticipation to the 30^th Anniversary concert of the Exeter Festival Chorus Choir, celebrated by a performance of the powerful and moving The Dream of Gerontius by Elgar. It was performed by 176 singers, including choirs from Bad Homburg and Hanau, youth and junior choirs from Exeter and all hosted by the Exeter Festival Chorus.

I was not disappointed. This was a sell-out concert in Exeter Cathedral and there was an excited buzz in the audience as we waited for the concert to begin.  Amongst the dignitaries attending was Alexander Hetjes, the Mayor of Bad Homburg, who flew in especially just for the concert. Seeing many young children in the audience was a very pleasant surprise and a standing ovation at the end of the concert showed just how much the audience enjoyed it. For me it was one of those very special evenings, which will always make me smile when I think of it. In front of us were singers from different countries and of all ages, who were at one singing wonderful music together, purely for their enjoyment and to give pleasure to their audience.

Rosalind Beetham

Exeter Twinning Circle

https://exeterfestivalchorus.org.uk/index.php/reviews