Scholars' Ensemble

The Scholars' Ensemble exists to provide opportunities to put the musical ideas discussed in Music Office's open lectures into practice.  Although Music Scholarships are all auditioned, the Scholars' Ensemble is open to anyone who expresses an interest, especially as the group varies widely from project to project. Email music@exeter.ac.uk if you're interested in getting involved.

Unlike most societies and ensembles the Scholars' Ensemble has no set "line-up", since we perform a wide range of repertoire requiring a variety of instruments and vocalists - it has been known, for example, for the Ensemble to transform from chamber orchestra and choir to gospel choir with percussion to romantic orchestra within an academic year!  Each year we aim to perform a range of repertoire that will provide opportunity for everyone to perform on at least one occasion (and, if your first instrument is not involved, you are encouraged to dust off your second, third or tenth one!), but even if you are not performing you can get involved in a variety of other ways, for example through assisting with publicity, stage management or front of house.  In recognition of the fact that members of the Scholars' Ensemble are likely to be involved in many other music societies and ensembles, each performance is done on minimal rehearsals (i.e. we do not have weekly practices); it is important that you make it your priority to attend these to ensure that we give a performance to be proud of!

Although the Scholars' Ensemble aims to provide repertoire accessible to performers of every level, part of its remit is also to present the best of Exeter student soloists and performers.  Students wishing to audition for concerto opportunities should make use of their scholarship audition at the beginning of the year, while vocal solos arising within works programmed will have auditions advertised during the year.  Please feel free to discuss possibilities with the Music Office at any time.

Previous repertoire and future plans

2012 - 13

  • J.S. Bach's Mass in B Minor (Highlights) for World AIDS Day in Commemoration for World AIDS Day - in collaboration with Exeter University Choral Society

2011-12

  • Musical Magic 2: Pirates Ahoy!  - a voyage of musical discovery featuring orchestral suits from The Pirates of the Carribean, including The Black Pearl & Dead Men's Chest (Badelt, Zimmer), Storm & Moonlight (Britten, Sea Interludes), and With Cat-like Tread (Gilbert & Sullivan) - in collaboration with Exeter University Choral Society and the Northcott Theatre.
  • Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem in Commemoration for World AIDS Day - in collaboration with Exeter University Choral Society

 2010-11

  • Children's Literature Festival
  • Lauridsen Lux Aeterna
  • Opening Festival for New Music Building
  • Carmina Burana  - in collaboration with Exeter University Choral Society and the Northcott Theatre

2009-10

  • Duruflé Requiem
  • Master Classes with English Touring Opera, leading to "Come and Sing Handel's Messiah"
  • Piano Circus Workshop
  • Bernstein West Side Story in the Northcott Theatre

2008-09

  • Verdi Requiem
  • Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
  • Copland Dance Episodes from Rodeo; Quiet City
  • Music from Harry Potter and Pirates of the Carribbean

2007-08

  • Mozart Requiem
  • Missa Luba for voices and African percussion
  • Rachmaninov Isle of the Dead
  • Mozart Bassoon Concerto
  • Bruch Kol Nidrei
  • Tippett A Child of Our Time

2006-07

  • Fauré Requiem
  • Gabrieli for Brass, Bassoon and voices
  • Haydn Trumpet Concerto
  • Purcell Dido and Aeneas