Taunton Association of Performing Arts

SOCA AGM
2024-11-16 - 2024-11-17 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
12 noon, followed by SOCA Lunch at a local restaurant.

Taunton Festival of the Arts Drama Festival
2024-11-11 - 2024-11-15 | Temple Methodist Church, Taunton, Upper High Street Taunton, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3PY, United Kingdom
The joy of Speech and Drama is that it is accessible to everyone. No equipment necessary – all you need is enthusiasm, and the benefits are enormous. The pursuit of excellence in performance will inevitably lead to the development of communication skills in general thus helping our young people to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Our aim, as always, to keep the spirit of Festival buoyant and provide a positive experience for all entrants.

Joint Concert with Barnstaple MVC
2024-11-09 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Devon
Joint Concert with Barnstaple MVC at Barnstable

Dixit Dominus
2024-11-09 19:30 - 21:00 | St James’ Church, Taunton, St James Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JS, United Kingdom
A joint concert with Southwest Baroque Orchestra
Cantate Domino – Claudio Monteverdi
Adoramus Te a 6 – Claudio Monteverdi
Susse Stille – Georg Friedrich Handel
Meine Seele hört im Sehen – Georg Friedrich Handel
Concerto in D for Viola da Gamba
Dixit Dominus – Georg Friedrich Handel

Piano Recital – Stanislav Yovanovitch
2024-11-03 15:00 - 17:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
Relatively new resident to Taunton, Stanislav Yovanovitch has kindly agreed to give a recital of some of his favourite music prior to his visit to China to give the same perforation. Included in the programme are pieces by Chopin, Debussy, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Ravel and Scriabin. Mr Yovaonvich has had an amazing career stretching across the globe and is guaranteed to keep his audience entertained during the afternoon. Read more about the adventures throughout the life of the fascinating gentleman on his website yovagerlanegends.com and mark the date in your diary to be sure not to miss this exciting recital.
Tea and Cakes will be served after the performance to conclude the afternoon. A retiring collection will be taken to defray costs and for the benefit of St John’s Church,

Opera Muses – Love: Unexpected, Unrequited and Unforgettable
2024-11-02 12:00 - 16:30 | cosy club, Hunts Court, Corporation Street,, Taunton, TA1 4AJ, United Kingdom
A concert of cabaret and folk songs by Benjamin Britten performed by sopranos Josephine Cresswell and Anna Fitzgerald with pianist Estelle Roux.

Arquebus
2024-10-27 14:00 - 17:00 | St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland, Westonzoyland, Somerset, TA7 0EP, United Kingdom
Arquebus is a dynamic Somerset based folk trio formed by local guitarist, Sam Patten. With a mixture of foot stomping fiddle tunes and upbeat songs, playing with the energy of a band that loves what it does, this is not to be missed. The programme will be a mixture self-written songs and traditional tunes- jigs, reels and hornpipes.
‘The name is a long story, says Sam Patten, ‘but basically an arquebus was one of the first types of musket from the 15th century. It all comes from a comment someone made when we first started about how the arquebus was a bit hit & miss and you would basically set fire to it and hope for the best. Our bass player joked that it was a bit like our playing and the name stuck.’
He added: ‘Yeah we just liked the sound of it and again as our bass player is fond if saying, much like the gun there’s a certain amount if backfiring!’

Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir in aid of SSAFA
2024-10-26 19:30 - 22:00 | St James’ Church, Taunton, St James Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JS, United Kingdom
SSAFA concert with Taunton Concert Band

Blackdowns Early Music Projects - The King's Flutes
2024-10-25 19:30 - 21:00, 2024-09-24 08:00 - 17:00 | All Saints Church, Culmstock, Fore Street,, CULMSTOCK, Devon, EX15 3JD, United Kingdom
Professional series: We are delighted to welcome the international ensemble Phaedrus, as part of their UK tour following an appearance at the Cambridge Early Music Festival.
Emma-Lisa Roux (voice & & lute) with Mara Winter, Charlotte Schneider and Luis Martinez Pueyo (renaissance flute consort) are bringing a programme entitled The King’s Flutes, referring to the 72 Renaissance flutes found in Henry VIII’s collection. The ensemble first came together while studying at the renowned Swiss music centre, Schola Cantorum Basiliensis.
In England, one of the greatest patrons of the arts was Henry VIII who developed the cultural and musical splendour of the Tudor court, and it is music of this time that the members of Phaedrus are bringing to Culmstock in October.

Come and Sing Music for Advent Christmas
2024-10-12 09:30 - 12:30 | St George’s Roman Catholic Church, Taunton, Billet Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3NN, United Kingdom
Come and Sing – Music for Advent and Christmas, 9.30am – 12.30, Saturday 12th October 2024, Parish Centre, St George’s Church, Billet Street, Taunton,TA1 3NN. Registration from 9.00am. Cost £10. For further information or to book at place contact: Chris Knapman, Secretary West Somerset Singers, Tel: 07443 548977 or email: dknapman@onetel.com. www.westsomersetsingers.org.
This is an opportunity for all those that love the music of Advent and Christmas to enjoy singing through a selection of different types and styles of music. This will include some well known favorites as well as some lesser known pieces, new and old.

Choral Evensong
2024-10-06 08:00 - 17:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
The Wilbye Quartet will again visit St John’s Church to sing Choral Evensong using their choice of heavenly music. Jane Cresswell soprano, Lynn Carter alto, Roger Bates tenor and Simon Davies bass formed the Wilbye Quartet during Covid lockdown, at a time when only small groups could meet. They found the experience to be such a pleasure that the group continued to meet after restrictions were lifted and with a growing reputations enjoy giving performances across the West Country.

Somerset Chamber Choir Amicus Piano Recital by Anita D’Attellis
2024-10-05 15:00 - 16:30 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
Piano Recital
Schubert – Four Impromptus (D899)
Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue
Scriabin – Sonate-Fantasie (Op 19)
Rachmaninov – Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (18th Variation)
Liszt – Hungarian Rhapsody No 2
We are delighted that Anita D’Attellis, the choir’s principal accompanist, will give the second concert in our Amicus Recital Series. This series is an opportunity for us to showcase some very good friends of the choir, performing a programme of well-known and popular works, interspersed with something less familiar.
Anita has performed extensively as a solo and concerto pianist and chamber musician, with recitals at the Brighton and Cheltenham International Festivals, Snape Maltings, the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and the Symphony Hall, Birmingham. This ‘rhapsodic’ recital will be a wonderful opportunity to witness Anita’s virtuosic playing at close hand, a real treat!

Taunton School Charity Concert
2024-10-01 19:00 - 20:00 | St George’s Roman Catholic Church, Taunton, Billet Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3NN, United Kingdom
Come and hear the talented musicians and singers from Taunton School as they perform a variety of music in the wonderful setting of St Georges Church, Billet St, Taunton, TA1 3NN.
The Taunton School Charity Concert is in aid of CAFOD, 7pm, Tuesday 1st October in St Georges Church, followed by refreshments in the Parish Centre.
Entrance is free, there will be a retiring collection.

Reg Meuross
2024-09-29 14:00 - 17:00 | St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland, Westonzoyland, Somerset, TA7 0EP, United Kingdom
Somerset’s own troubadour. The breadth and depth of his material is unparalleled in contemporary folk: songs about forgotten heroes, famous names, folk legends, the climate emergency, tales from the kitchen sink and news from the world stage.
Someone said: ‘If something needs to be sung about then Reg Meuross has a song for it!’ And this proved to be the case when Reg performed here in February 2020 with a especially composed song about Westonzoyland. Challenged by a resident in 2010 to write a song about the village, the composition became a moving tribute to the many who fought and died in the Battle of Weston in 1685, and travesty of justice that followed.
Meuross has the gift of being able to touch people through his songs and performance, painting pictures that remain with the listener long after the song has been sung.
“I’m happy to be returning to sing in this beautiful church, to a wonderful audience and community,” says Reg.
As usual, the concert will take place in in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. Starting at 3 pm with refreshments served from 2.15 pm.
There is no need to book but please note seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
In order to help with the artists’ and other costs we hold a raffle. In addition, we welcome donations.

Piano Recital – PATRICK HEMMERLÉ
2024-09-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-27 08:00 - 17:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
This recital is one of a series of piano recitals and related educational events inspired by the solo piano recital on the visit of Franz LISZT to TAUNTON in 1840 devised and promoted by Normandy Piano Courses.
Programme will include BEETHOVEN Sonata in C minor op111 and LISZT Sonata in b minor.
Find out more about Patrick Hemmerlé by following to link below to his website.
Tickets can be purchased via the link below. Young accompanied by an adult are allowed free admission.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/null/t-jzpykvv

Somerset Chamber Choir Amicus Organ Recital by Richard Pearce - Toccata!
2024-09-21 19:00 - 20:30 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
To Include
J S Bach – Toccata & Fugue in D minor
Widor – Toccata (From 5th Symphony)

Taunton Sinfonietta
2024-09-14 19:30 - 21:30 | St James’ Church, Taunton, St James Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JS, United Kingdom
With the emphasis on the baroque era, we will welcome Pam Canter to play a suite for recorder and strings by Neapolitan composer Durante. A concerto for 4 violins by Vivaldi and more Albinoni complete the baroque part of the programme. Moving on 1-2 centuries, works by Tchaikovsky, Bruch and Elgar are also featured.

National Heritage Open Day
2024-09-14 11:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-10 16:00 - 19:00, 2024-09-07 11:00 - 15:00 | St George’s Roman Catholic Church, Taunton, Billet Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3NN, United Kingdom
Come and explore a hidden gem right at the heart of Taunton.
Saturday, 7th September 11.00am to 3.00pm
Tuesday, 10th September 4.00pm to 7.00pm
Saturday, 14th September 11.00am to 2.00pm
Events include: The history of the building and information about the architectural features
Talk on Saints Dustan, Walburga & Boniface 11am Saturday 7th and 14th September.
Musical interludes and Organ recitals 4pm Tuesday 10th; 1.30pm Saturday 7th September and 1.00pm Saturday 14th September.
Or just feel free to walk in and have a look around
Entry Free – no booking required. Refreshments will be available in the Parish Centre.

Southern Sinfonia's September Celebrations
2024-09-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Queen’s College, Taunton, Trull Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4QS , United Kingdom
A ‘Prom’ concert for Taunton

Lunchtime Concert – KCT New Year Cocert
2024-09-13 12:00 - 14:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
Pupils from King’s College, Taunton provide a programme of solos, chamber music and jazz at the first performance of the new academic year.
Retiring collection will be in aid of Versus Arthritis and St John’s Church.

Piano Recital – MICHAEL MONTAVONT
2024-09-08 15:00 - 17:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
This is the first performance in a series of piano recitals and related educational events inspired by the solo piano recital on the visit of Franz LISZT to TAUNTON in 1840 devised & promoted by Normandy Piano Courses.
MICHAEL MONTAVONT is the Artistic Director of Normandy Piano Courses.
His programme will include Beethoven Sonata in A flat op26 and Liszt Transcriptions of lieder by Schubert.

Afternoon Tea Concert
2024-08-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
Afternoon Tea Concert with Joe Hammer on the organ.

Lunchtime Concert Alex Roche Classical Guitarist
2024-08-09 12:00 - 14:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
Prizewinning Classical Guitarist Alex Roche performs a varied recital including music from his native Cornwall, film music, original compositions as well as the occasional nod to guitar heroes throughout history!
Retiring Collection in aid of Ron Tickner Education Trust and St John’s Church.

Somerset Chamber Choir’s 40th Anniversary Concert
2024-07-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Wells Cathedral, Cathedral Green, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2US, United Kingdom
SOUND THE TRUMPET!
Be sure not to miss this celebration of the choir’s foundation in 1984.
Tallis’s extraordinary 40-part masterpiece will form the centrepiece of this very special concert which will also include two of the very finest English and German works of the Baroque era. Expect musical fireworks from the trumpets and drums so often used at celebrations of the time, yet also the most sensitive of moments in Purcell’s birthday ode for Queen Mary, the wife of William III.
The Choir will be joined by an internationally-renowned period-instrument ensemble and a stunning line-up of vocal soloists.
Programme to include:
PURCELL Come Ye Sons of Art*
TALLIS Spem in Alium
JS BACH Magnificat
HANDEL Eternal Source of Light Divine
PRAETORIUS Cantate Domino
*contains the famous aria “Sound the trumpet till around you make the listening shores rebound.”
Andrea Brown – Conductor
Florilegium – Period Instrument Ensemble
Emily Vine – Soprano
Amy Carson – Soprano
Tristram Cooke – Countertenor
Kieron White – Tenor
Angus McPhee – Baritone
We’d really love you to share this celebration with us!
Public booking has opened, so why not book tickets now!

TAUNTON YOUNG SINGERS
2024-07-12 12:00 - 14:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
Taunton Festival of the Arts organised three competitions for young singers in March of this year. Some of the prize winners from these events have been invited to St. John’s to share their programmes of music with the audience. Do come and hear for yourselves the high standard of musicianship and performance achieved by these young people.
Retiring collection in aid of Taunton Festival of the Arts and St. John’s Church.

Voce
2024-06-30 14:00 - 17:00 | St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland, Westonzoyland, Somerset, TA7 0EP, United Kingdom
The choir started in 2021 with members from a variety of backgrounds including music graduates and others for whom singing in a small ensemble was a new venture. They perform sacred and contemporary choral music, English madrigals and popular music as well as new compositions/arrangements by members of the choir.
As usual, the concert will take place in in St Mary’s Church, Main Road, Westonzoyland, TA7 0EP. Starting at 3 pm with refreshments served from 2.15 pm.
There is no need to book but please note, seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
In order to help with the artists’ and other costs we are continuing with the raffle. In addition, we welcome donations.
