Shaldon’s festival of classical music, which began in 1990, was the inspiration of Eileen Croxford Parkhouse, cellist wife of David Parkhouse, as a memorial concert to celebrate the life of her husband who was born in Teignmouth and lived latterly in Shaldon. David was Professor of Piano at the Royal College of Music. He and his wife, were founder members of the Music Group of London, performing both in the UK and internationally over a period spanning four decades. The original concert proved so successful that it was decided to make it an annual event based at Shaldon Parish Church. Over the last seventeen years, it has grown into a four-day festival drawing audiences from all over Devon and, indeed, from further afield. In view of its ongoing success, it was nominated for the Royal Philharmonic Society Festival Award 2007.
The aim of the Festival is to advance the education of the public in arts and in particular the art of music, by bringing together singers and instrumentalists of international repute to provide a series of enjoyable concerts at affordable prices. Keeping the price low is particularly important as many in our audience are retired and we also wish to retain a student concession. We are indebted to the many people who loyally support the Festival every year, and we are reaching out to the younger generation with complimentary tickets and workshops for schoolchildren.
