About the Exeter Symphony Orchestra

History

The Exeter Symphony Orchestra has its origins in the late 1930s in association with the cathedral-based Exeter Musical Society. It became an independent enterprise in January 1989, and since that time the ESO has had three musical directors and principal conductors – David Cawthra, Will McBurnie, and from September 2005 Brian Northcott.

Our programmes provide wonderful opportunities: for players in the Exeter area to take part in great symphonic works; for music-lovers to come to hear ‘locally-produced’ music and for young soloists to perform with the ESO, sometimes at the beginning of their careers. Because of the welcoming atmosphere, some have returned to give virtuoso performances – such artists include Alexander Pannizza, the acclaimed pianist who now lives and performs in Argentina, and the Fujita sisters.

Chairman | Bob Jevon

Your orchestra is building a reputation for quality performances and interesting music in which our dynamic new Musical Director and Leader are carrying us forward.

It is not surprising therefore that young soloists from all over the country want to join us and play for you. We will do our best to continue this development and bring the best up and coming talent to Exeter.

We cannot do this without your help, and Subscribers are of particular importance. The more discount tickets we sell in advance, the better we can plan future programmes. ‘Friends of the ESO’ are needed for front of house and behind the scenes tasks to help stage concerts, and sponsors have helped us improve our publicity material which adds to the general quality of our organisation. If you feel you can help in any of these ways, do get in touch via our ‘Contact Us’ page.

In the meantime, please carry on enjoying our music.

Conductor and Musical Director | Brian Northcott

Brian started his musical career studying singing with the great counter-tenor Alfred Deller. His professional life has been shared equally between teaching and performing – he was Head of Music at the University of Plymouth on the Exmouth site between 1983 and 1996, whilst performing as a continuo player and singer. Brian is also an accomplished conductor and has worked with a wide range of groups, including youth choirs, orchestras and choral societies. Since going freelance Brian has had invitations from afar afield as Malaysia and India for choral and orchestral conducting and is awaiting an invitation from Ceylon - recently conducting the April 2009 concert for the Bombay chamber orchestra.

Conducting experience has been varied with both choirs and orchestras, and also as assistant to Brian Brockless  - who himself studied with the great Sergiu Celibidache - at the University of Surrey in the early seventies. In 1979 Brian formed the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra which has gone from strength to strength and now has a visiting professional Conductor. Brian has had the great pleasure of working with and conducting International soloists including harpsichordist Ruth Dyson; singers Ian Caddy, Robert Tear and Martyn Hill, pianist Frank Wibaut and most recently, this January with Evelyn Tubb and Michael Fields in a performance of the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610.

Examining has taken him to the Caribbean, Thailand, Egypt and Jordan, India and Malaysia on behalf of Trinity/Guildhall and conducting here for early music groups including the Consort of Twelve. Brian and his wife, Alison, have also recently formed the new early music group for the Exeter area - Westbarok. His spare time passions include gliding and rugby.

Leader | Gillian Crew

Gill started the violin at primary school, and played in various youth ensembles in Reading before attending university in Newcastle, where she played with the university orchestra and in various chamber groups. On returning to Berkshire to work at the Met Office in 1990, she played with many of the local ensembles, including the West Forest Sinfonia and the Surrey Mozart Players, until moving to Devon in 2003. Gill joined the ESO in January 2007. She continues to enjoy playing chamber music and for the occasional show. Gill is a climate research scientist at the Met Office Hadley Centre.

Vice President | Felicity Cawthra

Felicity is the wife of the late David Cawthra, who was the Musical Director and Principal Conductor of the Exeter Symphony Orchestra in the 1980s. We are delighted that she has agreed to become our first Vice President.

Sponsors

The Exeter Symphony Orchestra is always keen to hear from anyone interested in offering sponsorship. We don't sit back and expect to do nothing - we strive to offer music playing opportunities to as many people as possible at a fair and reasonable subscription. However offers of help are always appreciated!!

There are several ways that you can help:

• ‘Adopt’ the orchestra as principal sponsor
• Sponsor programmes and/or publicity material
• Fund a high quality soloist - there are many young players out there
• Fund an orchestra 'chair' - conductor, orchestra leader etc.
• Fund a young professional gaining them additional playing experience and improving our playing
• ...or all of the above!!

There are many choices available and we're very happy to discuss all possibilities. In return we can offer space in our concert programmes, acknowledgement on our website, local publicity and tickets to our concerts along with the knowledge that, together, we are actively promoting music making within the community.

We would like to acknowledge the support of our sponsors, Gerrard Investment Management, Exeter; and G.A. Lott & Co., Exeter, Exeter City Council Festival Committee and the Exeter Arts Council.

Please contact the Chairman, Bob Jevon, via the ‘Contact Us’ page or phone on 01392 670369