Sunday 22nd November 2026 (Saint Cecilia's Day)
Handel and Purcell Odes to Saint Cecilia
Dartington Great Hall, 7.30pm
Programme:
Purcell - "Hail! Bright Cecilia" (Ode on St Cecilia's Day 1692)
Handel - Coronation Anthem II - 'Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened'
Handel - 'Ode on St Cecilia's Day'
Featuring:
Dartington Sinfonietta (led by Vicky Evans)
Soloists :
Milly Atkinson (soprano),
Celia Stoddard (alto),
Michael Graham (tenor),
Matthew Secombe (bass)
Harpsichord - Clare Talbot
Tickets are on sale now from the Dartington Box Office.
Henry Purcell, herald of the English Baroque, in 1692, pays tribute to Saint Cecilia in his masterpiece 'Ode to Saint Cecilia' reflecting the artistic effervescence of 17th century England and the centrality of music in Restoration London society.
Handel’s cantata, 'Ode for Saint Cecilia’s Day' was composed in 1739. It was based on a poem.
'A Song for Saint Cecilia’s Day' by John Dryden written in 1687 and driven by the concept of music as the engine of the universe.
As Musical Director of the choir Simon Dunbavand says:
'Bringing order to chaos….Purcell and Handel and the melodic beauty and textural richness of their invention will send us all on our way in marvel and wonder.'
Sunday 13th December 2026
Rowcroft Carol Service
Buckfast Abbey, time TBC
Celebrating the efforts of everyone associated with Rowcroft Hospice. More details nearer the time.
Monday 14th December 2026
Dartington Christmas Cracker!
Dartington Great Hall, 7.30pm
Join us for our evening of festive fun with the Dartington Playgoers. Ticket details nearer the time.
Saturday 27th February 2027
2027 Choral Workshop evening performance
Buckfast Abbey, 7.30pm
As the culmination of our choral workshop, come and hear the Workshop Chorus perform in the fabulous surroundings of Buckfast Abbey. Ticket details nearer the time.(Note that if you'd like to attend the Workshop and sing in this concert, please go to our Workshops page, where booking will be available later this month.)
