Handel & Purcell

An old wooden double bass leaning against a wall with a window and beige curtain nearby, inside a room with warm lighting.

Celebrate the rich heritage of English classical music in an evening devoted to two of Britain’s greatest baroque composers, George Frideric Handel and Henry Purcell. This special gala concert brings together some of the most majestic and emotionally stirring music ever written for the English stage, performed by renowned musicians whose artistry has been celebrated internationally. The Sand Opening Gala promises an evening of elegance, atmosphere, and sensory indulgence.

The gala will take place on 8th August from 17:00 until 22:30. Guests are invited to arrive through the grounds, where parking will be available at the gate at the bottom of the field, with signage provided upon arrival. Smart/formal evening attire is warmly encouraged, in keeping with the elegance and splendour of the occasion. With only a limited number of guests invited to this opening gala, early reservation is strongly recommended.

We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening of music, dining, and timeless elegance.

Reserve Tickets
Music Menu House
A large window with multiple stained glass panels above a door, showing trees and foliage outside, with sunlight streaming in.

Your Ticket Includes

• Live gala concert performance
• Champagne or non-alcoholic reception drink
• Seasonal four-course dining experience
• Access to the gardens and historic interiors
• Exclusive opening gala celebration

A seasonal four-course dinner celebrating local produce and refined British cuisine will be served within the grandeur of the Great Hall and Drawing Room, creating an atmosphere of warmth, elegance, and celebration. Guests are invited to wander through the gardens and beautifully preserved interiors of the house, many of which are rarely opened to the public.

This exclusive opening gala honours not only the music of George Frideric Handel and Henry Purcell, but also the enduring beauty, heritage, and careful restoration of the house itself.

Red roses growing against a stone wall.

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring that every guest may enjoy the Sand Opening Gala with comfort and ease. Step-free access is available throughout the principal concert and dining spaces, with accessible restroom facilities provided on site. Guests requiring wheelchair access, reserved seating, dietary accommodation, or any additional assistance are warmly encouraged to contact us in advance so that we may provide the most welcoming experience possible.

Accessible parking and drop-off access are available near the main entrance. Due to the historic nature of the house and surrounding grounds, certain outdoor pathways may be uneven in places; however, every effort has been made to ensure safe and comfortable access throughout the evening.

Guests attending with carers, assistance dogs, or specific accessibility requirements are warmly invited to contact our team prior to the event so that suitable arrangements may be made with care and discretion.

Text that reads 'Music' in outlined block letters.

We will be welcoming a range of talented musicians to the Great Hall for an evening celebrating the music of Handel and Purcell, two of the most influential composers of the English Baroque period. Through powerful symphonies, expressive melodies, and uplifting ceremonial works, guests will experience music that has inspired audiences for centuries and helped shape the foundations of classical music in Britain.

Performed within the intimate setting of Sand House, the concert offers a rare opportunity to hear these timeless compositions brought to life by accomplished musicians in one of Devon’s most atmospheric historic spaces. Whether you are a lifelong lover of classical music or simply curious to experience something new, the evening is designed to be welcoming, engaging, and enjoyable for all. From dramatic orchestral moments to beautifully delicate passages, the programme promises an unforgettable celebration of English musical heritage in a truly unique setting.

Below, we welcome the wonderfully talented musicians that will be gracing the great hall.

Close-up of an antique violin with a person's hand resting on it, showing the strings and f-holes, against a rustic wooden background.
Outline of the word 'Meme' in large, thin font on a black background.
A white plate filled with red saffron threads surrounded by purple flowers.
Beef stew with potatoes and carrots served on mashed potatoes, garnished with herbs, with decorative sauce drizzles on a dark plate.
A slice of tiramisu dessert with layers of cream, cocoa powder, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers on a decorative white plate, with a spoon, and two small bowls of cocoa powder and coffee in the background on a dark surface.

Ahead of the evening’s performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, guests will be welcomed into the gardens with a complimentary drink on arrival, offering the perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of a summer evening before the concert begins. Surrounded by the beauty of the grounds, the reception sets the tone for a night of music, celebration, and exceptional hospitality.

Enjoy a banquet of tastes inspired by local and seasonal produce english style.

Following the orchestra’s performance, guests will be invited into the Great Hall and Drawing Room for a specially curated four-course dining experience created by Anna, a chef from Milan whose cooking reflects the elegance and simplicity of traditional northern Italian cuisine. Inspired by the same spirit of seasonality and natural beauty found within Vivaldi’s music, the menu will focus on high-quality, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, with freshly made pasta and carefully prepared dishes at the heart of the evening.

Combining fine music with authentic Italian dining, the Sand Summer Gala promises a memorable celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and summer entertaining in a truly unique setting.

The full menu will follow shortly.

Outline of the word 'house' in large letters

Sand House will open its doors for a public evening event, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience one of East Devon’s hidden historic treasures. Having been owned by the same family since 1560, this remarkable historic house has evolved through Elizabethan and Tudor history while remaining a private family home at its heart. Set within peaceful open gardens, woodland walks, and meadow fields, Sand offers an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

  • Interior of a cozy room with a large window letting in natural light. There are a dining table with chairs, a piano, and various decorative items. The stone floor and dark walls create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
  • An old stone building entryway featuring a wooden door, stone arch, and stone columns, surrounded by lush greenery and pink flowers in the foreground.
  • A stone building with a steep roof partially obscured by tall, dense green trees in front of a clear blue sky.
  • Inside a dark corridor leading to an open door with bright daylight showing trees and grass outside.
  • Sunlight filters through trees onto a grassy landscape with rolling hills in the background.
  • A sign reading 'Sand' in front of a stone wall with green plants and trees behind. Another partially visible sign below also appears to read 'Sand'.
  • Stone archway with a carved plaque and a coat of arms featuring a shield with a diagonal line and ornate scrollwork, in front of a textured stone wall and a thatched roof above.
  • A row of lush green trees with a stone bench underneath, set in a park or garden.
  • A rainbow appearing in the sky over a green, hilly landscape with an old stone structure and ruins in the foreground.
  • Red roses growing against a stone wall

Your Questions, Answered

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

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