31 March 2023: Levowan XII

Cornwall-based chamber choir, Levowan XII was established in 2015 by Director, Marcus Alleyne. Originally eight voices put together to perform a live carol concert for local radio, they are now 12, all of whom have a strong musical background and bring a broad range of experience and versatility. The choir performs three main concerts per year and also collaborates with other music ensembles at a variety of events in Devon and Cornwall.

Their programme will include the premier of the whole of the Requiem written by Hugh Walkington for the Choir. They will also sing an exciting selection of choral music from across Europe and the USA. In addition, their accompanist Mark Smith, who lives in Calstock, will play a couple of classical solo piano pieces.

Delivering a vast repertoire covering almost any genre, including major works, they perform both a cappella and accompanied by piano, organ or chamber orchestra.

Levowan XII also has firm links with both British and international composers and arrangers and has premiered several pieces of their work here in the UK. A highlight has been to perform alongside the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines

Hugh Walkington, Music Exhibitioner of Cheltenham College, plays piano, clarinet and organ. While a teacher at Mount House School in Tavistock, he directed their SATB Chapel Choir between 2004 and 2014. Hugh likes most styles of music and his favourite orchestral composer is Rachmaninov. He has also sung with the Phoenix Chorale. Hugh is also composer in residence for Levowan XII.

Mark Smith studied piano and organ at Trinity College of Music, London, and worked as a professional accompanist in the South East before moving to Cornwall 12 years ago. He now shares his work time between gardening and accompanying. In any free time, Mark enjoys growing organic veg, walking, foraging and yet more music making

Listen to Levowan here: https://levowan.co.uk/have-a-listen