Corvus Consort returns to Exeter Cathedral this May for a performance of Rachmaninov’s Vespers.

After its acclaimed Exeter debut last April performing Bach’s Motets, Corvus Consort returns to the Cathedral in May 2024 to perform Rachmaninov’s Vespers. ‘A haunting cornerstone of the choral repertoire’, the Vespers were composed as a response to the outbreak of the First World War, and were an immediate success with a public increasingly sympathetic to Russian Nationalist sentiment. To reflect our own times of conflict,  Corvus Consort will intersperse the fifteen sections of Rachmaninov’s piece with “Songs of Peace from across Europe”.

Corvus Consort has been described as “one of the most innovative and adventurous vocal ensembles presently performing” by Tortoise Media, and has quickly established a nationwide reputation for innovation and musical excellence. Founder and Director Freddie Crowley received his early training as a chorister at Exeter Cathedral, and goes on to say

I’m really grateful for the experience of being a chorister in Exeter Cathedral, which has had such a big impact on my life. The skills and experience I gained have been a hugely valuable foundation on which to build my musical training, and in helping me to forge a career as a professional musician.

The concert is in support of the Exeter Cathedral Music Foundation Trust, which has provided critical financial support to sustain the Cathedral’s musical tradition for over 30 years.

The performance will take place on Friday 10th May at 7.30pm, and tickets and more information are available here.