THE Friends of St. Andrew's, South Tawton have organised a special event on Wednesday, July 31, when renowned cellist Orlando Jopling plays Bach by Candlelight in the church.

Jopling has played to much acclaim, both in this country and internationally.

He is musical director of the 140-year-old Royal Orchestral Society in London and has conducted the English Chamber Orchestra, the London Mozart Players, the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

He has conducted more than 25 opera productions and performed with many pop stars, including Sinead O'Connor and Martha Wainwright and launched the Cello Pilgrimage in 2010.

The Pilgrimage reflects Jopling's love of the peace and tranquillity of churches and their sense of history.

He wanted to help raise funds to restore and repair England's parish churches by filling them with music. To date, more than £55,000 has been raised in the 75 cello recitals he has given in churches throughout the country.

A recent review of his performance of Bach's cello music describes him as 'a consummate professional at the very top of his game, who gave a beautiful, fluid and emotive performance.' (Luxury Channel Magazine)

The evening starts at Church House, adjacent to St. Andrew's, at 8pm with wine and home-made nibbles, followed by the concert which features Bach's Suites for Cello in G Major and C Minor and the Cassando Suite for Solo Cello.

Tickets (adults £8, students/children £4) are available from The Stores, South Zeal, Church House during Sunday openings (11am to 5pm) or from Mark Freeman via email [email protected]">[email protected] or tel 01837 840085.