Information

Photo: Alan Rosevear

Sadly, at the Section AGM held in February 2025, a Committee could not be formed and therefore the Section has closed for the time being.

The Music and Folklore Section arranged three events a year to inform, educate and entertain anyone with an interest in the music of this county. The aim was to promote music, of all styles, inspired by or with roots in Devon through talks and performances. From the summer of 2024 we also arranged talks on folklore, occasionally as separate events. We collaborated with venues across the region to reach as many members as we could. Illustrated talks by accomplished researchers also gave us a local perspective of music making and song writing in Devon.

The music the Section has previously presented includes a wide range of styles, genres and skills. We have previously featured folk choirs, shanty groups, a Devon Romani family and their living traditions, jazz musicians and composers of new music as well as instrument makers and music historians. All these have had strong connections with Devon, connecting with the county either as an inspiration, a source of material or a chosen place to work.

Some of our events have crossed boundaries, either musical or geographical. For example, an exploration of Devon call-change bellringing placed alongside traditional bellringing songs which borrow the melodic structures; and a presentation of songs which emigrated from Devon to Newfoundland and became adapted to their new surroundings.