As we celebrate 60 years of world-class music at the University, in Devon’s beautiful cathedral city, we’ve picked out a few starry moments from over the years…
Felix Klieser, 2021
Horn player Felix Klieser became Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Artist-in-Residence in 2021 and made his Exeter debut on 19 November 2021 at the University’s Great Hall, playing Mozart’s Horn Concerto No.4, K.495.
During his time in the city, he also delivered a talk as part of the University of Exeter’s Festival of Compassion, when he discussed his journey to become one of the leading musicians of his generation.
Felix Klieser plays with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (c) Mark Allan
Ida Haendel (with Constantin Silvestri),1968
Ida Haendel, the Polish-born British violinist was often known as the ‘grande dame of the violin’. Having played for the troops in WW2, she began to develop an international reputation and toured all over the world. Over her career she played at the BBC Proms no less than 68 times!
When she journeyed to Exeter to perform with our former Principal Conductor, Constantin Silvestri, it would become the celebrated conductor’s historic last performance. Very sadly, Silvestri died just weeks later, in February 1969, at the age of 55.
Haendel was a great friend of Silvestri – she shared her story here:
“When I came on stage in the Great Hall of Exeter University on the evening of November 29 1968 to play the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto it was the twelfth time I had performed it with Silvestri. For him, it would be the last concert he would conduct. I did not know what was wrong with him but I could see he was desperately ill and, by the look on his face and by his colour, that he was suffering terribly. But within himself he was strong enough to rise above it and he conducted wonderfully – with so much feeling and emotion.”
Maxim Shostakovich, 1972
Maxim Shostakovich gave a performance of his father’s Fifth Symphony, in November 1972 at University of Exeter’s Great Hall, as Dmitri Shostakovich’s Soviet-era works began reaching wider audiences in the West.
One of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony holds a universal message of triumph achieved out of adversity. The work is a deeply emotional semi-autobiographical piece; it must have been a poignant moment when it was conducted at the University’s Great Hall by Maxim Shostakovich in November 1972.
Dmitri Shostakovich at his piano
In addition to the symphonic performances that take place at University of Exeter’s Great Hall throughout each season, we also engage with partners and communities beyond the concert hall. Our partnership with the University has led to a host of creative opportunities, from Schools’ Concerts to the Exeter Community Family Orchestra, we’re proud to bring music into people’s lives across the county as we celebrate our 60-year musical residency in the city.
To read the full press release click here.
We return in full to Exeter throughout late-winter and spring. Star cellist Laura van der Heijden performs Elgar’s ever-popular Cello Concerto [13 Feb], before the Orchestra returns for a celebration of film music [13 March]. Celebrated conductor Kirill Karabits unites with accordion player Ksenija Sidorova for a performance of music inspired by folklore [27 March], ahead of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition with conductor Alexandre Bloch [10 April].