Exeter Cathedral hosts Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson plays the Christmas Jethro Tull , Exeter Cathedral, Tuesday 22 December, 7.30pm

On 22nd December, Exeter Cathedral will be hosting Ian Anderson plays the Christmas Jethro Tull in support of the Cathedral’s Third Millennium Campaign.

Still enjoying a lengthy and ongoing career, Jethro Tull have released 30 studio and live albums, selling more than 60 million copies since the band first performed at London’s famous Marquee Club.

Their iconic pop hit Living in the Past, recorded in 5/4 time, is still unique and evocative of the sixties.

Having played more than 2500 concerts in 40 countries throughout three decades, the folk/rock/blues band still undertake some 100 concerts each year to longstanding, as well as new fans worldwide.

The band is fronted by legendary Ian Anderson.

Ian celebrated his 40th year as a recording and performing musician last year and still remains the crowned exponent of the popular and rock genres of flute playing.

Ian plays ethnic flutes and whistles together with acoustic guitar and the mandolin family of instruments, providing acoustic textures which are an integral part of most of the Tull’s vast repertoire.

The Very Reverend Jonathan Meyrick, Dean of Exeter, said: “We are thrilled that Ian Anderson has chosen Exeter Cathedral as a venue for this wonderful Christmas show and I thank him for giving his time so generously to support the Cathedral’s Campaign.

“I encourage both new and existing Jethro Tull fans to experience the magic of the band this Christmas within this wonderful setting that is our Cathedral.”

Ian Anderson added: “My occasional concerts in support of the Christian Church bring me to Exeter Cathedral this year for the first time.

“It is a splendid example of architectural excellence and a glorious venue for those of all faiths, or none at all, to enter the House of the Holy and participate in the welcoming world of Christmas celebration.

“Whether your Christmas is a secular affair of gift-giving and family togetherness or a more worshipful recognition of one of the two big days in the Christian calendar, join us for some uplifting Christmas spirit, music, readings and maybe even a prayer or two.”

The concert organised for Exeter Cathedral forms part of a special end-of-year tour which sees the group perform nine Christmas themed shows in the Czech Republic and Germany, plus this special date in Exeter.

As well as playing several Jethro Tull classics, there will be various Christmas and ecclesiastical songs, including new material specially written for this tour.

All proceeds from this concert will go to the Cathedral’s Third Millennium Campaign, which seeks to raise a total of £8 million to support several areas of the traditional life of the Cathedral including music - to assure the music and the future of choral singing at Exeter Cathedral, funding restoration work to the organ , supporting repairs and renovations to the fabric of both the Cathedral itself and the other historic buildings in its ownership, improving and expanding the access and educational facilities and to allow for future development as a centre for interpretation, study and exhibition.

Tickets cost £25 and are available now from Exeter Tickets at www.exetertickets.co.uk Tel: 01392 493493. A small number of £20 tickets are available from the Cathedral shop Tel: 01392 271354.