Taunton Association of Performing Arts

Somerset Chamber Choir’s 40th Anniversary Concert
2024-07-27 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | 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.

Somerset County Orchestra Concert
2024-06-29 19:30 - 22:00 | Queen’s College, Taunton, Trull Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4QS , United Kingdom
Brahms: 1st movement Serenade in D major
Stanford: Piano Concerto no 2 (soloist Duncan Honeybourne)
Beethoven: Symphony no 7

Come and sing with Amici
2024-06-22 14:30 - 17:00 | Temple Methodist Church, Taunton, Upper High Street Taunton, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3PY, United Kingdom
tba

Collegium Singers Summer Concert – In Every Corner Sing!
2024-06-15 19:30 - 21:30 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
Summer Concert.
Music from the King’s Coronation and the Commonwealth
PROGRAMME
Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied BWV 190 – JS Bach
Sing Joyfully – William Byrd
Cantate Domino – Heinrich Schutz
5 Mystical Songs: Easter Ralph Vaughan Williams
5 Mystical Songs: I got me flowers Ralph Vaughan Williams
5 Mystical Songs: Love bade me welcome Ralph Vaughan Williams
5 Mystical Songs: The Call Ralph Vaughan Williams
5 Mystical Songs: Antiphon Ralph Vaughan Williams
INTERVAL
Coronation Kyrie eleison – Paul Mealor
Confortate – Henry Walford Davies
Lay a Garland – Robert Pearsall
All things are quite silent – Kerry Andrew
The Turtle Dove – Ralph Vaughan Williams
Lassie, wad ye loe me James Macmillan
Loch lomond Ralph Vaughan Williams
Star of the County Down – Ben Parry
Wellerman – Traditional
Blest pair of sirens – Hubert Parry

Afternoon Tea Concert
2024-06-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
Afternoon Tea Concert with Robert Langston on the organ.

Lunchtime Concert – Search of Light in Desperation
2024-06-14 12:00 - 14:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
Sarah Wynne, well known local soprano has arranged a programme by combining art song and arias, hopes to reflect times of hardship, different struggles, and testing times. Although despite what may often seem as never ending, there can be glimmers of light and hope along the way that can be an anchor through turbulent times.
Retiring collection in aid of BEAT, the UK’s charity committed to help those with eating disorders and St John’s Church.

Taunton Sinfonietta
2024-06-08 19:30 - 21:30 | St James’ Church, Taunton, St James Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JS, United Kingdom
This month we continue with our presentation of the concerti grossi of Albinoni and Handel. Not on the earlier publicity, we will include the best-known of Bach’s Brandenburg concertos, number 3 in G. Cellist Chris Sampson will be soloist in a set of variations for cello and strings by Respighi, doubtless new to many of us, and the Simple Symphony by Britten completes the programme.

Come and Sing Choral Evensong
2024-06-02 17:00 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
Come and Sing Choral Evensong, conducted by Andrew Millington (formerly Director of Music, Exeter Cathedral) at 5 pm (with rehearsal beforehand).
To book (please state voice part) or for further information, Email: music@tauntonminster.org or Tel: (01823) 272441

Choral Eucharist for Corpus Christi
2024-05-30 19:30 - 2024-05-31 20:30 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
The Choir of In Ecclesia will lead the singing at this special service in the Church’s Year.
All are welcome to attend and immerse themselves into the heavenly music.

Dan Whitehouse: An Afternoon Of Glass
2024-05-26 14:00 - 17:00 | St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland, Westonzoyland, Somerset, TA7 0EP, United Kingdom
Premiered at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall last year and receiving great reviews, this show brings together his glass-related work, including real-life stories of glassmaking in the Black Country, breathed sensationally into life by Dan’s sonorous Bowie-esque tenor.
Gorgeous . . . . intriguing The Guardian
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.

Taunton Dance Festival
2024-05-25 - 2024-05-30 | Queen’s College, Taunton, Trull Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4QS , United Kingdom
The Dance Festival is to encourage and promote the performance and enjoyment of dance. Aiming particularly, but not exclusively at young people, it provides a challenge and unique opportunity to perform in a competitive and non-competitive situation in front of an adjudicator.

Lunchtime Concert - YOUNG MUSICIANS' SHOWCASE
2024-05-20 12:00 - 14:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
Students from Taunton School will return to St John’s Church for it hoped will become an annual event. Soloists of a range of ages
from Taunton School will be
delighted to present a varied programme, encompassing a number of musical styles.
Retiring collection in aid of D & S Air and St John’s Church.
Doors open at 12.00pm concert starts at 12.45pm.

Harmonia, Bridgwater Choral Society – Summer Concert
2024-05-18 15:00 - 17:00 | St Mary’s Church, Bridgwater, St Mary St, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3EQ, United Kingdom
A programme of summer music given by Harmonia, Bridgwater Choral Society

Afternoon Tea Concert
2024-05-18 15:00 - 16:30 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
Theodora Poole is on piano, followed by afternoon tea at 3.45 – 4.15 pm.

Somerset Song Prize Final
2024-05-12 - 2024-05-13 | Somerset
he Somerset Song Prize (SSP) is a biennial national song competition for young people aged 18 to 26. The competition begins with a series of regional rounds across the country. The semi-final and final are both held in Taunton, usually across a packed weekend in May.
The winning singer will receive a cash prize of £1000 and, decided separately, the winning pianist will receive a cash prize of £1000. There will be other cash prizes too. Further information Somerset Song Prize website.
The SSP is a competition for art song and it places special importance on the collaborative relationship between the singer and their pianist. Arias from oratorios and operas are not permitted. The definition of art song is reasonably wide, although competitors must include in their programme a song which is not in their native language.
In 2019 the competition received financial support from Somerset Opera, the Ronald Tickner Educational Trust, the Amici Choir and private donations. The SSP is immensely grateful to these organisations and individuals for their support.
The Somerset Song Prize was inaugurated in 2013 under the aegis of the Taunton Festival of the Arts. The competition has quickly developed an excellent reputation in part due to some great adjudicators – including Iain Burnside, Elizabeth Watts, Jonathan Lemalu, Neal Davies, Joan Rogers, Lorna Anderson, Roger Vingnoles and Malcolm Martineau. The soprano Elizabeth Watts and the pianist Roger Vignoles are the competition’s Patrons.
For more information on the Somerset Song Prize, please visit the Somerset Song Prize website here.

A Fanfare to Somerset, A Musical Celebration of our County
2024-05-11 19:00 - 21:30 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
Celebrate Somerset Day in true style by enjoying a programme of music inspired by the Somerset places and countryside. The Fitzwarren Chamber Orchestra will captivate their audience with a programme of descriptive works that bet your soul marination think you are standing on the gently rolling Somerset Hills or the lush green pastures of The Levels. The much loved work by Vaughan Williams March: Folk Songs of Somerset will feature in the programme along with other descriptive pieces. The highlight of the concert will be the premiere of a work composed by Jeannette Owen entitled, “Falls, Footsteps and Follies”, an Exploration of Hestercombe.
A refreshing Somerset inspired drink will be served during the interval.
Under 18 are free if accompanied by an adult.

Somerset Song Prize Semi Final
2024-05-11 - 2024-05-12 | Somerset

Lunchtime Concert - Trombones to the Four
2024-05-10 12:00 - 14:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
This will be the debut concert for this newly founded Trombone Quartet, Taunton Sliders. It will make a stirring start for the 2024 series of St John’s
Lunchtime Concerts.,
Christian Hopwood, Brian Pearson, Kevin Rigg and Stewart Stunell are four trombone players from the Taunton area who make up the trombone section of the Somerset County Orchestra. Between them they have almost 200 years of playing experience and have played in venues around the UK and European countries including Finland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Czech Republic, Eire, France and Italy. Their music ranges from 16th to 21st centuries and range from classical to religious and on to Jazz and modern.
Retiring collection in aid of Love Musgrove, Musgrove League of Friends and St John’s Church.

Amici Spring Concert
2024-05-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
Choral concert – programme tba

Spring Romance
2024-04-28 15:00 - 17:00 | St John the Evangelist Church, Taunton, Park Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DG, United Kingdom
The Elegance Duo have arranged a programme of much loved music from the Romantic Period to make their post Lockdown debut in Somerset a special occasion by playing much loved music, including pieces by Elgar, Tchaikovsky Dvorak . Yulia Northridge and Ekaterina Shetliffe are long-standing friends of St John’s Church and are very much looking forward to returning to entertain you again. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon that will be rounded off with Tea and Cakes. Retiring Collection in aid of St John’s Church.

Sally Jenkins: Flights of Fancy
2024-04-28 14:00 - 17:00 | St Mary’s Church, Westonzoyland, Westonzoyland, Somerset, TA7 0EP, United Kingdom
The concert features a welcome return of renowned harpist and regular at Music on the Levels, Sally Jenkins, who will be presenting a programme entitled Flights of Fancy.
‘The programme will include music from many of the diverse harp traditions from Europe and beyond,’ says Sally.
Sally has appeared in many prestigious venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Symphony Hall in Birmingham.
She is an experienced pedal and early triple harpist, and has also presented lecture-recitals on the history of the instrument including to the Royal Musicological Society. In developing her musical skills she has worked with some of the UK’s preeminent harpists including Jeanette Bevan in the Royal Ballet Orchestra, Meinir Heulyn from the Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Frances Kelly of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
The concert starts at 3 pm and refreshments are available at modest charge from 2.15 pm.
In order to help with the artists’ and other costs a raffle is held. In addition, donations are encouraged.

Somerset Liederabend
2024-04-27 15:00 - 17:00 | Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton, Coal Orchard , Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JL, United Kingdom
A joint venture from Somerset Opera and Somerset Song Prize, Liederabend will be an informal and friendly opportunity for singers to perform.

Choral Concert
2024-04-27 07:30 - 22:00 | St James’ Church, Taunton, St James Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JS, United Kingdom
A choral concert including Nelson Mass by Joseph Haydn, Bach Magnificat and Fantasia for organ in G Major

Arthur Hope-Barton, organist
2024-04-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
Come and listen to organist Arthur Hope-Barton, Sherborne Abbey and Organ Scholar-elect, Queen’s College, Oxford.
3.00 to 3.45 pm, followed by afternoon tea.

Lunchtime Concert - Taunton School Young Muscians’ Showcase
2024-04-14 08:00 - 17:00 | Somerset
Soloists of a range of ages are delighted to return to St John’s Church to present a varied programme encompassing a number of musical styles.

Southern Sinfonia's Spring Celebration
2024-04-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Taunton Minster (St Mary Magdalene Church), Church Square, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1SA, United Kingdom
Classical Music Concert

W. S. Gilbert, This Was Your Life
2024-03-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AD, United Kingdom
An exciting new show showcasing the best of Gilbert & Sullivan’s many fabulous operettas.
Tickets available online or from the Taunton Visitor Centre
