This concert marks the 80th anniversary of Exercise Tiger, the ill-fated rehearsal at Slapton Sands by American forces practising for the D-Day landings on Utah Beach, Normandy, in June 1944.

The first half of the concert focuses on remembrance and gratitude and includes Ensemble songs such as “Tell My Father”, “For the Fallen” & “Mansions of the Lord”, the “Last Post” played on the balcony and soprano solos from the era, such as “Berkeley Square “ & “The White Cliffs of Dover”

The second half focuses on the freedom which those who fought and died in Exercise Tiger, D-Day, in WW2, WW1 and other conflicts have given us, along with hope for the future. Items in this half include “Stars” from “Les Misérables”, “Fascinatin’ Rhythm”, the theme tune from “Band of Brothers”  and “the World in Union” as a soprano solo with military side drumming.

The Celtic Male Ensemble, a vocal group from Cornwall of around 16 singers, directed by Alastair Taylor, was formed in 2014. They have performed all over Cornwall from the Minack Theatre to Truro Cathedral and were named Best UK Choir at the 2019 International Male Choral Festival. On the 27th April 2024 they cross the Tamar to give their first concert in Devon.

Joining the Ensemble will be guest soprano Donna Marie Broomfield ( a Friday Recitals’ favourite) and soloists from the ever popular Concert Band of Britannia Royal Naval College: Rose Sage (Flute) Phil Hayward (Trumpet & Military Side Drum and Mark Norley (Clarinet).

Proceeds from the concert will be split between The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and the Flavel.

The concert is organized by Helen Deakin, a former Trustee of the Flavel and currently Classical Music Co-ordinator