EXETER College music students are showcasing their talent next week in two concerts ahead of the launch of the college’s new Music Academy.

The first will be a performance of one of W.A. Mozart’s most famous work, The Requiem K.626, followed by the popular J.S. Bach cantata, “Wachet Auf Ruft Uns Die Stimme” (Sleepers Awake).

Exeter College’s Choral Society will stage the works at St David’s Church next Tuesday, May 22, at 7.30pm.

Io Pugh, conductor and head of music at Exeter College said: “The Requiem is, perhaps Mozart’s most famous work. This is due to a number of factors. “It was left unfinished as Mozart died before he could complete it. “The work was commissioned anonymously which has created an air of mystery. “Popular belief has it that Mozart was thinking of his own impending death while writing this piece, and even that a messenger from the afterworld commissioned it! “Peter Shaffer’s play and film, “Amadeus” is a fictional account of Mozart’s last days and the Requiem is central to the story which is told by Austrian court composer, Sallieri. Sallieri was shown to be Mozart’s great rival and was shown to be responsible for Mozart’s premature death at the age of 35.

“The music is some of the most dramatic ever written and has entered the popular culture through being used for countless films and even adverts. “Wachet Auf Ruft Uns Die Stimme” BWV 140 is one of J.S Bach’s most popular cantatas. The music is very bright and energetic for Lutheran cantata. The opening chorus emphatically calls for everyone to “wake-up!!”. “Throughout both works there are some beautiful arias sung by an exceptional team of soloists: Heloise West, Soprano, Rebecca Smith, Alto, Steven Phillips, Tenor and Adrian Hicks, Bass. Heloise West is one of our former music students now embarking on a career in the world of opera. She played a memorable part in our recent production of Carmina Burana.”

Tickets are £9 or £5 (concessions) and are available by ringing 01392 205971. The second concert is Exeter College’s free Annual Show which will be held at Exeter Phoenix on Thursday 24 May 2007 at 7.30pm. Featuring the Big Band, Inspirational Choir, Chamber Orchestra and College Choir amongst others, the show is designed to give prospective students a taste of the wide range of musical activities Exeter College offers. Tickets are FREE, and can be obtained from the Phoenix Box Office (01392 6677080) or from Exeter College (01392 205971).

Both concerts give a preview of Exeter College’s new Music Academy being launched in September. The scheme is designed to give students the best possible start to a career in music. They will pursue a programme consisting mostly or entirely of music courses such as A-level and AS-level music, National Diploma in music (jazz or pop), National Award in Music Practice and National Award in Music Technology. Students may specialize in any instrument and musical style. They will be key musicians in several large ensembles including orchestra, big band, choirs and wind band. They will also be expected to reach a high standard in small ensemble performance as well as solo performance. Free instrumental tuition on two instruments and specialist workshops throughout the year will be given. Academy students’ progress will be monitored and they will receive careful guidance on how to gain places at prestigious conservatoires or universities.