The British Vocal Ensemble VOCES8 is proud to inspire people through music and share the joy of singing.

Taking time out from their busy international touring schedule we are delighted to welcome VOCES8 back to Shaldon. One of the world's most exciting and versatile vocal groups, their concert repertoire will once again range across the centuries - from Renaissance music to jazz and pop arrangements.

For those who missed their concert in 2015 you are in for a treat: eight voices blending perfectly together and performing to the highest degree of technical perfection, but also with engaging personalities which bring a quality of 'heart' or emotion to their performance.

Concert starts at 7.30pm

Prepare to be enthralled.

Friday's concert provides a showcase for gifted young musicians who are aspiring to become tomorrow’s professionals. Back for a sixth appearance at the Shaldon Festival, we welcome young musicians from Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, the largest specialist music school in the UK.

Four talented students will present a varied programme of solo pieces for violin, voice, trumpet and marimba, accompanied on the piano by Brenda Blewett.  Come and share their enthusiasm and artistry in what promises to be a memorable evening of music making.

Concert starts at 7.30pm

Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle

“Good Lord, there it is, finished, this poor little mass. I do not know if this music is sacred or sacrilegious (musique sacrée or sacrée musique). I was born for comic opera as you well know. Little skill, some feeling and that's all. Therefore let me sing your praises and grant me your paradise.” G. Rossini – Passy 1863.

His description "little" has stuck to the work so that it is customarily referred to as the "Petite" Messe Solennelle, in spite of taking over 80 minutes to perform!


This evening’s informal performance will be conducted by Stephen Threlfall, Director of Music at Chetham’s School, Manchester. The choir will be joined by four outstanding soloists: Héloïse West (Soprano) Rebecca Smith (Contralto) Matthew Wilding (Tenor) and James Quilligan (Bass) with expert accompaniment from Peter Adcock on piano and Paul Morgan on organ.

Concert starts at 7.30pm

"...no praise can be too high for the Fibonacci Sequence's polished and dashingly committed performances..." Gramophone

Making their debut at the Shaldon Festival, the Fibonacci Sequence is considered to be one of the UK's most distinguished chamber ensembles garnering impressive reviews. The ensemble members appear at the world's leading festivals and venues and many of them are also on the faculties of leading conservatoires in the UK and abroad.

Variety is the keynote of this concert with a programme ranging from a string duo through to piano quintet. They start with Dvorak’s delightful Romances for two violins and viola, continue with the contrasting moods and styles of Danish composer Halvorsen’s Passacaglia for violin and cello, on to the stormy and passionate Mozart Piano Quartet in G minor and finish with the dramatic and epic Brahms Piano Quintet in F minor. A gala concert to close our Festival.

Concert starts at 7.30pm