Excitement builds for Classics Galore!

Classics Galore! is back for 2022. Exeter’s very own Last Night of the Proms will be held at the University of Exeter Great Hall on Saturday November 12.

Classics was established in 2007 and held every two years until the pandemic forced the postponement of last year’s event. The team has been working hard for the return this autumn.

Billed as one of Exeter’s biggest and best-loved indoor musical extravaganzas, the previous seven concerts have raised more than £110,000 for FORCE.

Around 200 top musicians and singers – a full orchestra, a brass band and two choral societies and their friends – will perform a variety of light classical favourites and rousing singalongs under musical director Malcolm Matthews and orchestra leader, Sarah Greinig.

The programme includes: Raiders of the Lost Ark (Williams), Zadok the Priest (Handel), Radetzky March (J Strauss I), The Sound of Music medley (Rodgers arr. Hazell) and a Proms style finale.

Newcomers

There will be two new faces at the concert this year.

Soloist for the evening will be soprano Cheryl Enever, who has worked with the BBC singers, the Royal Opera House and sung for royalty.

Cheryl will be joined on stage by compère Justin Leigh, the popular local broadcaster , who cannot wait to be Master of Ceremonies and to make his Classics debut.

“I am delighted and honoured to be the compère for this year’s Classics Galore! It’s such a prestigious and much loved event and I know it is a highlight of the year for many music lovers across the South West,” said the former BBC Spotlight presenter.

“Although I was aware of the event and knew its reputation for superb music, I have never attended. So I am looking forward to my first visit.

Valuable

“Like most families, we have lost loved ones to cancer. My mum lost her battle with breast cancer more than 20 years ago and ever since then, I have tried to help organisations that support those living with the disease and their families.

“I know from experience how distressing it is to see someone dealing with cancer and how valuable it is to have support from organisations such as FORCE Cancer Charity.

“The Classics Galore! concert is a wonderful way to support the vital work of FORCE, enjoying the best music while helping such a worthwhile cause.

“I am really looking forward to discovering more about the plans as we get closer to November and to welcoming the audience on the night.”

Successful

Classics Galore! was established by former Exeter policeman Dick Passmore and his wife, Posy. The 2019 event was particularly poignant following Dick’s death earlier that year.

The Passmores’ well established formula for a successful night remains, including pre-concert dining at The Terrace Bar of the Great Hall from 5:15pm. Reservations are not necessary.

Shuttle buses between the Great Hall and the main A and B car parks will also be provided for concert patrons from 5pm to 11pm.

Tickets for Classics Galore! 2022 are on sale, priced between £12 and £28. They are available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/classics-galore-exeter.