St Michael & All Angels’ Church, Heavitree, Exeter

“ What a treat ! Devon Opera hosted a wonderful mid-afternoon recital on Sunday 1st December 2024. A good sized audience were treated to a wonderful mixed programme of songs, spoken word and audience participation in the lively acoustic of St Michael’s Church.

Anna and Alison sung beautifully and their blend of glorious voice was a joy to listen to. The music ranged from excerpts of Handel, Puccini through Holst, Kurt Weill and modern day songs by Rutter, Chilcott and Warlock. The piano accompaniment was in the very competent hands of Joyce Clarke who also performed a lovely piece by Mendelssohn. 

The Twelve Days of Christmas got us out of our seats competing with wonderful acting and singing from the soloists. The recital ended with a full blooded rendition of O come, all ye faithful with soloists and audience in splendid voice. A very enjoyable way to end a superb recital. 

Devon Opera will be performing La bohème in the spring of next year. I shall be first in the queue for a ticket. It promises to be a wonderful show in keeping with one of the truly great operas.”

- Paul Spearing