Vivaldi's Four Seasons

A vintage violin with a bow on top, decorated with red berries and purple flowers, set against a stone wall. A wine bottle, a wine glass, and a candle are on a green cloth nearby.

Experience an unforgettable evening of music, elegance, and summer celebration at the Sand Summer Gala, featuring Antonio Vivaldi’s timeless masterpiece, The Four Seasons. Performed live by an ensemble in the stunning setting of Sand. This iconic collection of violin concertos takes audiences on a vivid musical journey celebrating the changes in the year.

The gala will take place on 7th August from 18:00 until 22:00. 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. 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.

The word 'Music' written in large, outlined letters.

With its soaring melodies, dramatic energy, and breathtaking virtuosity, The Four Seasons remains one of the most beloved works in classical music — captivating audiences for over 300 years. Whether you are a lifelong classical music enthusiast or discovering Vivaldi for the first time, this special gala performance promises an enchanting and atmospheric event of culture, celebration, and world-class music. With a warm welcome we would like to introduce our musicians for the evening.

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 a person’s left hand on the body of a vintage wooden violin, with a dark shirt sleeve visible, against a rustic background.
The word "Merrill" outlined in white on a black background.
A white plate with a pile of red saffron threads, surrounded by purple flowers.
Beef stew with carrots, potatoes, and herbs served over mashed potatoes, garnished with sauce, herbs, and salt on a round black plate.
A slice of tiramisu on a white decorative plate with cocoa powder and coffee beans, with cups of coffee and bowls of cocoa powder in the background.

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.

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 text on a black background.

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.

  • View through an arched doorway into a dimly lit room with a large window. The room has vintage furniture including a table, chairs, armchairs, and a grand piano. The window is illuminated by sunlight, casting shadows inside the room.
  • Old stone and wood doorway with an arch, framed by columns, and surrounded by greenery and flowers.
  • A stone church building partially obscured by tall green trees and golden grass in the foreground, under a clear blue sky.
  • Dark interior corridor leading to a bright outdoor scene with trees and a blue sky visible through an arched doorway.
  • A peaceful countryside scene at sunset featuring a large tree in the foreground, with rolling hills and lush greenery in the background.
  • A wooded area with green foliage and a stone wall in the foreground. There are two signs: a dark brown sign with white text that reads 'Sand' attached to the tree and placed on the ground, and a partially visible sign with the word 'SAND' in white capital letters on a light background in front of the stone wall.
  • Stone wall with a carved plaque containing a coat of arms and French inscription, part of an old historical building or monument.
  • A row of large green trees with a stone bench beneath them in a park or garden setting.
  • A sunset or sunrise rainbow over a lush green hill, with an old stone structure in the foreground.
  • Red roses climbing a stone wall, some in bloom and others in bud, with green leaves.