News
New CD With Plymouth Composers
The latest CD by the Chamber Ensemble of London, 'Quiet Summer Evening' (SOMM Recordings), has music by three Plymouth composers - Terence Higgins, Clive Jenkins and Andy Meyers. Terry was a Plymouth dentist. Clive was director of music at Plymouth College. Andy went to Sutton High School and played horn in PSO. . Two other composers are from the West Country. Nigel Brooks came from Ilfracombe and Luke Whitlock was born in Exeter. Clive also contributes new arrangements of works by Delius, Elgar and Lennox Berkeley.
Peter Cigleris (clarinet), educated St Boniface College, is one of the soloists. Others are Alexei Watkins (horn), Sarah Watts (bassoon), Peter Fisher (violin) and Michael Mace (cello). The last two are well known to Plymouth audiences.
The strong West Country content is reflected by the choice of cover photo: Hay Tor at sunset.
One review so far: "...listening to this very well recorded and beautifully executed series of pieces recalled, at least for this listener, the days of the BBC Light Programme" Martyn Strachan (British Music Society)
Musical Instruments Available
Offered free to anyone who will make good use of them are a clarinet and an oboe (almost unused). If you are interested please contact Roger Viles who will put you in contact with the donor.
Peter Holt - Sad News
It is with great sorrow that we learn of the death of our erstwhile chairman Peter Holt. Peter did great things for the PMA but had to step down following a stroke, and had subsequently suffered further episodes resulting in recent hospitalisation before he passed away on 8th June.
Plymouth Philharmonic Choir appoints new MD
From 2027 Plymouth Philharmonic Choir's new Director of Music will be Timothy Noon, an organist, composer and conductor based in Exeter.
South West Chamber Choir - new Musical Director
Stephen Trehair is stepping down after 17 years as MD of the Choir after his final concert at 3pm on Saturday 6th December at Stoke Damerel Church.
Mark Bennett, conductor, singing teacher and multi-instrumentalist, will be taking up the baton in January 2026. He is looking for new singers to join this exciting, ambitious yet very friendly choir.
See a press release here for more details.
PLYMOUTH CONCERTS - NEW PROMOTER - NEW PIANO
The 30th International Series of classical music concert series run by Jeanie Moore MVO has been taken over by new organisation Plymouth Concerts which has run the three recitals Jeanie had planned and is continuing to add more. All are on Sunday afternoons at Stoke Damerel Church. See a press release here for more information.
Plymouth Concerts Treasurer Charles Morgan has bought a beautifully restored Grotrian-Steinweg grand piano which has been installed in Stoke Damerel Church, which will continue as a very welcoming venue for classical music.
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