The List

Exeter Cathedral

What's On @ Exeter Cathedral

London Concertante: A Night at the Opera by Candlelight
If you're looking for a romantic candlelit experience, want to enjoy some classical music greats then this is the concert for you! London Concertante present a sensational evening at the opera with an array of the finest opera arias and overtures, including works from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and Mozart – some of the best from Madame Butterfly, Turandot, Tosca, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Cosi fan Tutti and so much more. Presented by Candlelight with some of the country’s greatest opera singers in the stunning setting, this truly is an evening not to be missed!
A Night at the Opera

A Night at the Opera

15 May 2026 - 15 May 2026

This experience is brought to you by Candlelight Concerts. This concert is not affiliated with the Fever Original Candlelight series. Stunning programme of compositions including Flower Duet and Habanera. Exceptional classical performances. The perfect option for first-time classical concert-goers.
Radiohead by Candlelight

Radiohead by Candlelight

11 Apr 2026 - 5 Jul 2026

Step into an evening of candlelit excitement with London Concertante! Listen to some of the best tracks from Radiohead albums performed by this fabulous ensemble, the evening is sure to be incredible! UK-based chamber orchestra, London Concertante, will be performing in the majestic surroundings of some of the country's most gorgeous cathedrals. With swooping arches and incredible acoustics, this is Radiohead as you've never experienced it before. This evening promises excitement, escapism, and grandeur. So, get dressed for the occasion, and get ready to hear Radiohead with a twist, a performance like no other.
Onwards and Upwards Tour

Onwards and Upwards Tour

9 Apr 2026 - 7 May 2026

This is just a fantastic tour for those who want an in depth introduction to the Cathedral. Firstly, we explore the Cathedral floor where we see the best of the medieval building in all its splendour before heading up to the Roof to see the space that was never meant for the public. We climb high above the Nave, walking along the vaulted ceiling and see the racking that could have resulted the complete destruction of the roof; we see the lead room, where smelting took place, before moving to the bell-ringing chamber. Stepping through a Norman window into the flag room we ascend, weather permitting, the Romanesque North Tower which has some of the best views over Exeter and beyond. At two and a half hours this is our longest tour and just brilliant value.
The Seven Sins of Tango

The Seven Sins of Tango

2 May 2026 - 26 Jun 2026

The Seven Sins of Tango by Candlelight is a brand-new production for 2026, featuring two champion tango dancers accompanied by a 10-piece ensemble from the world-renowned London Concertante. It is straight from Argentina, merging the smouldering music of Astor Piazzolla and his contemporaries with electrifying choreography and virtuosic musicianship, revealing tango in its most authentic yet sophisticated form. Tango showcases Argentinas most iconic dance, combining its sensual elegance with raw intensity and razor-sharp precision. This passionate language is pushed to its very limits, creating an exhilarating spectacle for eyes and ears alike. Accompanying the dancers on stage, the programme features the very best music from tangos golden era, including Piazzollas Suite del Diablo (Suite of the Devil), the haunting Oblivion, and the most famous hit of them all: Libertango. We also hear works by other composers from the bars or Buenos Aires at the time, such as Francisco de Caro, and Jacob Gade. For this exciting project, London Concertante joins forces once again with celebrated pianist and composer David Gordon, whose arrangements and original works breathe fresh life into tangos sensual and fiery soundworld.
Roof Tour

Roof Tour

13 Apr 2026 - 6 Jun 2026

This fascinating behind-the-scenes tour takes you into the roof void high above the Nave, into the South Tower, the Lead Room and the Ringing Chamber and then through the spaces in the North Tower. If weather permits we extend the tour onto the North Tower to enjoy some of the best views of Exeter (and beyond). Dress: Flat-soled shoes are essential, no flip flops please.
Christmas Baroque by Candlelight

Christmas Baroque by Candlelight

8 May 2026 - 26 Jun 2026

Join London Concertante as we celebrate Christmas with a programme of Baroque masterpieces. Programme Corelli - Christmas Concerto Handel - Messiah Overture Torelli - Christmas Concerto Bach - Violin Concerto in A minor Vivaldi - "Winter" from the Four Seasons If you don't consider yourself 'in the know' about Mozart, Beethoven, or Bach, fear not, this is the orchestra for you. The London Concertante boasts an impressive audience record in which an impressive 50% of spectators are first time classical concert goers! The London Concertante has its audience laughing at jokes, gasping at virtuosity, moved by gorgeous string playing, and leaving with a smile on their faces.
G4 Christmas

G4 Christmas

5 Nov 2026 - 30 Dec 2026

Gather to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as G4 bring glad tidings of great joy this festive season, with the return of their ‘G4 Christmas’ tour in the most awe-inspiring cathedrals, priories, minsters, halls and abbeys across the UK. Step into G4's world of vocal enchantment, as they take you on a breathtaking musical journey with beautifully-blended voices, within an idyllic sacred setting. Ignite your Christmas spirit with a sprinkling of G4’s yuletide magic. Nourish your soul with their extraordinary and unique renditions of traditional carols, sacred contemplations, classical favourites and modern festive hits including Silent Night, O Holy Night, All I Want for Christmas, Walking in the Air, When a Child is Born and The 12 Days of Christmas. With mesmerising harmonies and impeccable showmanship it’s no wonder this hotly-anticipated tour sells out year after year, where the guys leave you with chills of delight and a heart full of Christmas cheer. After the show you’ll dash, dance and prance your holly jolly way all the way home, having no doubt experienced something more precious than gold, frankincense and myrrh!
The Choral Pilgrimage

The Choral Pilgrimage

11 Jun 2026 - 11 Jun 2026

Spain's Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of the Renaissance. The Sixteen's 2026 Choral Pilgrimage programme, 'Lead, Kindly Light', devotes itself to pieces by two outstanding Spanish composers – Cristóbal de Morales and Sebastián de Vivánco. Our programme also features spellbinding settings of words by Saint John Henry Newman: Sir James MacMillan's Nothing in Vain for soloists and double choir and the world premiere of Kerensa Briggs' Lead, Kindly Light, specially commissioned for the Choral Pilgrimage.
Monteverdi - Vespers of 1610

Monteverdi - Vespers of 1610

11 Jul 2026 - 11 Jul 2026

The Exeter Festival Chorus concert takes place in the magnificent setting of Exeter Cathedral. With Devon Baroque - the only professional orchestra in the South West specialising in Baroque and early classical music, played on period instruments. Contrepoint Vocal Ensemble with Devon Baroque Orchestra Andrea Brown - Conductor Running time approximately 1hr50minutes plus a 20 minute interval with refreshments available. Book before the 30th April using discount code EARLYBIRD and save 10%. The venue has full disabled access with dedicated wheelchair spaces. Accompanying carers are eligible for a free ticket. Full details at https://exeterfestivalchorus.org.uk/index.php/whats-on and enquiries to [email protected]
Medicine in the making

Medicine in the making

12 May 2026 - 12 May 2026

Health, disease and the body have been studied since ancient times. The Cathedral Library is home to nearly 3000 early works of medicine and science, which tell the story of our evolving knowledge. Join us to discover key moments of medical development in the Library and Archives and to take a closer look at monuments to Exeter's medical history within the Cathedral building. Tours begin in the Cathedral and end in the Cathedral Library and Archives.
A Friendly Introduction to Palaeography: Reading Some 14th Century Medical Remedies
Based exclusively on records in the Cathedral Library & Archives, this beginner's workshop is a chance to learn about some 14th century medical and culinary recipes and have a go at reading and transcribing some. The practice document will be in Middle English (but no prior knowledge of the language will be expected). Learning materials will be provided, but you may like to bring your own magnifying glass, and a notebook/laptop. Suitable for adults with an interest in understanding and reading historical documents, but with little or no practical experience. Workshops will take place in the Cathedral Library & Archives Reading Room.
Library & Archives In Focus – S. S. Wesley: Life, Music and Legacy
Marking the 150th anniversary of the death of Samuel Sebastian Wesley, this pop-up display looks at the enduring musical legacy and reforming vision of one of England's – and Exeter Cathedral's – most celebrated cathedral organists and composers. Perfect for music lovers, history enthusiasts and everyone in between!
Shakespeare and his Contemporaries

Shakespeare and his Contemporaries

24 Apr 2026 - 24 Apr 2026

Step into the world of Shakespeare at the Cathedral Library and Archives! Come and celebrate the South West Shakespeare Festival 2026 at our special pop-up display of Shakespeare and the brilliant writers and thinkers who shaped his age. Discover our magnificent Shakespeare Folio (1632) alongside the works of other early 17th century writers, from Milton, Donne and Spenser to Devon-born explorer and royal favourite, Sir Walter Raleigh.

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