THE Exon Singers, one of the UK?s leading chamber choirs, returns to Tavistock for their annual festival next week. The festival, with its distinctive pattern of music and worship, has had its home in Tavistock since 1973. The Singers, with festival organist Jeffrey Makinson and musical director Matthew Owens, will offer a widely varied programme including music from the Renaissance through the centuries to the present. Additionally this year, Tessa Asquith-Lamb, as artist in residence, will exhibit her works at Tavistock Parish Church throughout the week. Composer in residence this year is Francis Jackson, whose most recent compositions can be heard in the church at the service of Compline on Monday July 25 and during the BBC broadcast of choral vespers from Buckfast Abbey on Wednesday July 27, at 4pm. On Tuesday July 26, Peter Wright, organist of Southwark Cathedral, will give a lunchtime recital in Tavistock Parish Church. The Wharf is the venue for a concert of light music on Thursday July 28 including John Rutter?s entertaining The Reluctant Dragon. On July 29 at 1.10pm the Rev Stephen Shipley will give a lecture entitled Keeping the Faith at Tavistock Parish Church, while the Exon Singers sing Evensong at Exeter Cathedral. The festival concert will be on July 30 in Tavistock Parish Church. Tickets for all events from The Wharf box office on 01822 611166 or on the door. More details are available at http://www.exonsingers.org.uk">www.exonsingers.org.uk
