Extraordinary: a Celebration of the Life & Music of George Butterworth

Devon Song returns this April with a captivating programme of intimate recitals featuring internationally acclaimed singers and pianists. The festival, taking place at the Ashburton Arts Centre on 17th & 18th April, promises inspirational performances that invite audiences to explore storytelling through music.This semi-staged dramatisation explores the context of the relatively short life of this seminal, early 20th century composer as well as of the demons that pursued Butterworth and the elegiac love for fellow man that consumed him. This performance uses his complete A Shropshire Lad and Other Songs song cycle, which sets A. E. Housman's sexually and powerfully charged poetry to music for Piano and Baritone. There's also other selections of Butterworth's symphonic masterpieces and folk songs arranged for piano, coupled with memories and comments by those that knew him form this production.Richard Court: Baritone/Actor
Mark Packwood: Accompanist/Actor
Duncan Macfarland: DirectorDevon Song celebrates art song, a form of music where expressive poetry meets classical music performance. While rooted in classical tradition, the festival's programme embraces diverse musical styles all united by the power of storytelling through voice and piano.This year's programme will feature world-class artists, including Gramophone-nominated tenor James Way and pianist Natalie Burch, performing Schubert's Winter's Journey, among other highlights. Audiences can also look forward to a reflective concert by Bethany Horak-Hallett, a semi-staged performance exploring the life and music of George Butterworth presented by Royal Opera House pianist Mark Packwood and singer-actor Richard Court, and a relaxed, accessible performance were the audience is free to move about and not worry about making noise.Devon Song Festival is more than a concert series, it's a community-building experience designed to make art song accessible to everyone. There are no dress codes and no preconceptions required; whether youre a seasoned classical fan or have never attended a recital before, the festival's welcoming atmosphere offers a perfect opportunity to discover something new and moving.Quote from Artistic Director, Natalie Burch
Devon Song is about celebrating the human voice and the stories we tell through music. We aim to bring people together to hear exceptional performers and create moments that stay with our audiences forever.Detailed information, including full dates, ticket options and performer biographies, can be found at Devonsong.co.ukSee Access, Tickets & Finding Us for more about why there are three ticket prices, plus other useful info about coming to events at Ashburton Arts Centre:
ashburtonarts.org.uk/access-booking-tickets-parking-finding-us