Let the music play on....

The music has played this weekend and I have been lucky enough to hear the sound of many voices raised both for the sacred and the profane!

The first chorus was the cheers of the crowd at the Exeter City Football Club match against Cambridge United at the home ground, St James Park. I have never been a fan of football though I have been and enjoyed games with family in Australia. The welcome I received however at ECFC was incredible and the friendliness of everyone there made me feel so 'at home'.

I arrived at St James Park to be greeted at the VIP entrance and then led into the hospitality suite - I was introduced around to the staff and shown where my 'game' seat was in the stand. It came complete with my name printed on it so I couldn't get lost! The field was green and the day was fine so the sky was so blue! The best possible conditions for a game. The hospitality they offered included lunch - such a treat.

St James Park

hospitality

ECFC felt like one big happy family. After the main meal was served, the MC stood up and welcomed various people/sponsors/ex players and the like. The key speaker was a player reminiscing about his time at the club in 1958! I was overwhelmed when the MC especially welcomed me and introduced me to everyone. After, so many people came up and chatted to me. I don't think I've ever felt so welcome anywhere before.

Unfortunately the team didn't win - two quick goals to the opposition and in the second half, we came back with one goal in answer but it wasn't enough. Still, for me it was a wonderful day. I joined in and raised my voice to cheer the team at the end.

Sunday, I was back at Buckfast Abbey for a choir recital. A visiting choir from St Bartholomew's Church consisting of approximately 20 people united in song and it was again, a truly special experience. The Abbey was lit up and the lights past the choir stall had the alter and main 'crown' lighting glow gold.

Choir list

Buckfast Abbey alter

The Two Moors Festival is subtitled 'extraordinary music in remarkable places' was true to the description. Over a week of chamber music,lieder and recitals held in both Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks lured me to a concert of Opera Highlights held at St Lawrence's Chapel in Ashburton. It was a grey and gloomy day but the drizzly rain held at bay - parking in Ashburton was a challenge! The town was very busy and the crowds had come in for a whole range of concerts that ran at multiple locations. I braved a 30 minute car park in the street for there wasn't anything and with fingers crossed hoped I wouldn't get booked as I headed off.

St Lawrence's chapel was an old medieval looking church with steeple but inside was a surprise. Redecorated by the Georgian's it had its old stone walls plastered and painted inside into looking like an inside Wedgwood box - yellow walls with lots of white plaster and moulding. Or perhaps it looks look like a very prettily decorated cake.

A soprano, a mezzo soprano, bass and pianist delivered a programme including Mozart, Saint-Saens, Rossini and Puccini. The voices were excellent and were entertaining. I shall forgive the very young looking bass for slightly ham acting due to his wonderful voice - he will age and learn I am sure. The chapel was full to the brim or should I say choir stall as the crowds came to listen and appreciate the music. I wish I had been able to attend more in the festival. Still, now I know its on and I shall plan to return.