New Course Update: Wagner Ring Cycle

Longborough Festival Opera, our near neighbour, is building up to the complete Wagner Ring Cycle in summer 2013: a climactic event that will attract an international crowd to our lovely corner of the Cotswolds.   Here at Farncombe, we are preparing for the occasion with two courses that take you to heart of Wagner’s great masterpiece.

Julian Williamson, the respected conductor and lecturer, will lead you through the drama of “Die Walküre” from July 27 to 29, with musical illustration at the piano and on CD.  Julian then introduces “Siegfried”, the child of nature, in a course that runs from November 2 – 4.  The last act includes one of the most lyrical scenes in the Cycle, in the awakening of Brunhilde.

If you book both courses, we would be delighted to offer you complimentary upgrade to one of our Superior bedrooms – generously sized new or refurbished rooms with en-suite bath and shower and King-sized bed with 1200 pocket sprung mattress.

Please also note two more Wagnerian dates for your 2013 diary: Julian returns to lead us through the heroism and drama of “Götterdämmerung.”  From 31 May to 2 June, he will cover the Prologue and Act 1; from 26-28 July, Julian completes the journey with a study of Acts 2 and 3.

Please call 0333 456 8580 to reserve your course places and secure your upgrade. The deadline for this offer is Friday 6^th July.

Early Music Courses at Farncombe Estate Broadway

Early Music courses in the Farncombe programme include Recorder Ensembles with Andrew Collis and Viol courses with Alison Crum.

Visit our website for full listings and a free brochure of early music and other making music courses in the Cotswolds 2011 : Early Music - Short Weekend Courses, Leisure Breaks & Events, Farncombe Estate, Broadway, Cotswolds

Price reductions for non-resident students !

We have just reduced prices on the following courses to £118 per person (includes 2 lunches & 2 evening meals)

5-7 February 2010

Recorder Ensemble
Drawing Buildings in Pen & Wash

19-21 March 2010

Bridge Weekend: Improve Your Bidding

Lute Lessons via The Early Music Shop

Friday January 15th & 29th - 10:00-17:00

February 5th & 26th - 10:00-17:00

March 5th & 19th - 10:00-17:00

Lessons are available to students of any level. The Early Music Shop is also offering a complimentary one-hour consultation for new players visiting for the first time.
Lessons are priced at £30 for a full hour's tuition and will take place on the hour, between the times shown.

Contact us on 01274 288100 now to book your lesson.

Christmas Sale at the Early Music Shop

Special offers are available on selected Music Stands, Recorders, Harps and Bohdrans in the Early Music Shop Christmas Sale!

Special Christmas offer from the fab four of baroque, Red Priest

The wonderful baroque ensemble Red Priest are running a fantastic offer in the run up to Christmas.

With the purchase of any two of Red Priest's four CD's you will be given a FREE pre-release copy of their much anticipated new all-Bach release, Johann, I'm Only Dancing. P&P is FREE for all UK customers.

The offer is only running until 21st December 2009 so hurry if you would like to take advantage of this red hot offer before Christmas!

Please visit www.redpriest.com for this exclusive offer.

STOP PRESS
Fancy a Night Less Ordinary?
Red Priest's forthcoming concert at The Hawth has a limited number of FREE TICKETS available to those under 26 years old.

To find out more and to apply for free tickets,
Jan 10, THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY, Box Office: 01293 553 636
https://tickets.hawth.co.uk/public/

Brighton Early Music Festival 2009 (BREMF)

23rd Oct to 8th Nov
Click here for the ebrochure

Purcell, Handel & Haydn and
East Meets West at BREMF 09
Music from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India and China, celebrating some rich encounters across the globe and through the ages.
21 events; 3 BBC Radio 3 broadcasts

Brighton Early Music Festival

East meets West: extraordinary collaborations across the centuries
anniversaries of Purcell, Handel and Haydn
11th October to 8th November
21 events
3 BBC broadcasts
http://www.bremf.org.uk/

Events include:
Emma Kirkby, soprano with the London Handel Players;
His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts;
Alison Bury (violin) leads the BREMF Players with Mhairi Lawson, soprano;
Handel’s Solomon with The Brook Street Band, an international line-up of soloists and the BREMF Singers;
17th and 18th century music from France and China with Le Baroque Nomade in the Royal Pavilion;
The Orlando Consort and Indian classical musicians explore the musical traditions of Goa and its 16th century Portuguese missionary colonisers;
the songs of the Sephardic Jews in two concerts by Joglaresa and Eclipse;
the musical and courtesan cultures of Italy and India, with Musica Secreta and leading Indian musicians and dancers;

Parish Music Concert Saturday 16th May

Concert in St Nicholas' Church, Teddington at 8pm Saturday 16th May 2009

Trio Ébano makes a welcome return to Parish Music. The group last played for us in November 2004 shortly after their leader, flautist Nicola Shorland, had become Gloucestershire Young Musician of the Year. She continues to be a dedicated chamber musician and has acquired an interesting collection of flutes, some of which she will demonstrate at the concert. The programme will also include solos for flute (Debussy’s ‘Syrinx’) and clarinet (‘Tricolour Capers’ by Eric Mandat), duos for flute and clarinet by Rutter, Elgar and Villa-Lobos, and trios by Shostakovich and Mozart.

Trio Ébano was formed in January 2003; the name is taken from the Spanish for the ebony from which many woodwind instruments are made. Nicola is joined in the current ensemble by clarinettist Lucy Tugwell and bassoonist Hannah Wrieden. Nicola and Hannah studied together at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Lucy studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. In the summer of 2004, the trio won third prize in the ensemble category of the 13th Anglo-Czech Trust International Competition. In 2006 Trio Ébano took their music to Singapore where they performed with the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, and gave recitals and led workshops in various schools. All the members of the trio value teaching as part of their portfolio. Between them they teach in private and state schools in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, London and Warwickshire. Nicola originally learnt by the Suzuki method with Susie Alington and is now herself an accredited Suzuki Flute teacher.

Musicians must stand together in credit crunch

LEADING conductor Sir Mark Elder has urged musicians to stand together and speak up for the arts during the credit crunch.

Speaking as he was presented with the Incorporated Society of Musicians' Distinguished Musician Award at the Royal Opera House last night, he said:
'Before the credit squeeze jumped on us, we were all nervous and apprehensive that the wonderful "Olympic dream" would drain the resources that might otherwise have gone to the arts.

'Now the credit squeeze has joined that pressure, it is all the more important to stand together and be prepared to speak out. Not as "whinging luvvies", but as people who stand up for something that they passionately believe in.'

Sir Mark Elder is the 27th recipient of the Distinguished Musician Award, the ISM's highest honour. Since 1976, the ISM has given the award to musicians including Jacqueline du Pré, Simon Rattle, Pierre Boulez and Janet Baker.

His friend and colleague, the accompanist Roger Vignoles, said:
'In Mark we have a truly rounded musician, truly a "musicians' musician". There is nobody more worthy of receiving this award from his colleagues in the profession.'

Sir Mark went on to emphasise the ISM's role in bringing together all types of music professionals: composers, performers and music teachers.

'This occasion allows me to state the importance of striving together. This very distinguished Society has stood for years as a voice and a forum for all types of musicians and what you do is of inestimable value. Combining creators, re-creators and teachers is the only way a united voice can be found in our profession.'

You can read the full text of Sir Mark Elder's speech on the ISM's website at www.ism.org

Building Sound Foundations for Music

THE MUSICIANS' professional body, the Incorporated Society of Musicians, is bringing together pre-school and primary music education experts to share best practice in children's musical learning.

Sound Foundations takes place at the University of Westminster, London, on Saturday 28 February.

Participants will hear about contrasting approaches to musical learning and take part in practical sessions to find out how music fits in with the Early Years and primary curriculum. There will also be a chance to find out how video teaching can make a difference to music lessons.

Dr Susan Young, senior lecturer in early childhood studies and music education at the University of Exeter, will discuss New Times, New Challenges for Early Years learning in her opening address and music education consultant Leonora Davies MBE will speak about how pupils can make a smooth transition from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3.

Alan Cameron, education officer at Dumfries & Galloway Council, will demonstrate how he uses video conference technology to deliver instrumental lessons to children across a wide geographical area.

There will be two workshops about music for under-5s: Margareta Burrell, music therapist and teacher, will lead a session on music & movement based on the principles of Dalcroze; and Sarah Carling will show how music fits in with the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and preparation for Key Stage 1.

Rachelle Goldberg currently leads the ISM's Music in Education Section. She said:

‘We want children to get the best possible start to their musical lives. All of our speakers are putting that aim into practice so we want to share their experience as widely as possible. I'm sure that Sound Foundations will be highly rewarding for anyone who wants to give children the best musical start.'

The seminar costs £60, £50 (ISM members) and £10 (ISM student members). You can download a booking form from ism.org/soundfoundations

Festival Education Activity Day

Below are details of our festival education activity day organised by our education office Miacaela Schmitz. This is the first time we have had an all day education event. It includes the opportunity to attend both the lunchtime and evening concert. Tickets for both these concerts are just £1 for all full time students.
If your children would like to take part in the workshops or if you know any parents who might like to bring their children along please contact Micaela direct on 01386 859648 or e mail earlymusica@permutation.com
How to take part:You can ring 01386 859 648 to reserve a place or just turn up on the day. Spaces are limited to 20 participants per session. You can drop by and add your name to the list for a session later that day, if you want. Please wear comfortable clothes. The Church rooms facilities are disabled accessible.
CHIPPING CAMPDEN
6th ANNUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2007
Activity Day for Children and
Young People Saturday 19 May
St James Church Rooms in Calf Lane… just round the corner from the Eight Bells Inn and St James Church, our concert venue. The event is free of charge courtesy of the Chipping Campden Music Festival 2007 – Just turn up!
10:00 Ages 6-11 with Jess & Amanda: singing, listening, improvisation & imagination, repetition, rhythm and even a rainforest
10:45 Ages 9-up with Micaela: songs, games and movement... in no time we’ll be singing/playing in parts
11:45 Woodwind Special! A demo & conversation with Mike, from London Winds
13:00 Kit Armstrong, 14 year old pianist, performs a lunchtime concert at St James Church; at the same time, ages 6-11 with Jess & Amanda (repeat of 10 am workshop)
14:30 Ages 6-11 with Jess & Amanda (repeat of 10 am workshop)
15:15 Ages 9-up with Micaela (repeat of 10:45 workshop)
19:30 London Winds Concert at St James Church (tickets available by post or on the door; ring 01386 840918 for further information)
For further information, read on!
Information for Parents and Teachers
Music making and games for ages 6-11: 40 minutes of fun for children 6 to 11 years old who are interested in music making. Run by experienced music teachers, Jess May, Amanda Bee, the session encompasses singing activities, listening activities, improvisation and imagination, repetition, rhythm and even a rainforest. No playing experience is necessary, though you can bring an instrument if you wish; otherwise we'll provide you with something to make a noise out of. Expect the extraordinary.Each participant must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Music, games, dance and more for ages 9-14: One hour of fun for children and young people ages 9-14. Micaela Schmitz, workshop leader, has experience with choirs for year 4 and up, as well as improvisation. She will teach songs and movement, and in no time we’ll be singing/playing in parts. No experience of reading music is necessary, but if you do play an instrument (portable, no plugs needed) please bring it along with you. Each participant must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Woodwind Special! Mike, our London Winds clarinet player, will stage a one hour demonstration of the amazing things he can do and will share what it’s like to be a professional musician. Budding woodwind players can bring their instruments but you don’t need instruments or experience to enjoy the session. This event is designed for ages 8 and up, and ends in time for you to come to the Lunchtime Concert. Each participant must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Kit Armstong: This 14-year old pianist will play an inspiring lunchtime concert at 13:00 at St James Church. It costs just a pound for students. Micaela, one of our leaders, will go with young people to our special seating area at the church, and will lead a discussion / review of the concert when the show is over.
How to take part:You can ring 01386 859 648 to reserve a place or just turn up on the day. Spaces are limited to 20 participants per session. You can drop by and add your name to the list for a session later that day, if you want. Please wear comfortable clothes. The Church rooms facilities are disabled accessible.
Thanks,
Dr. Micaela SchmitzDirector, Early Music in the ValeEditor, Harpsichord and Fortepiano magazine
Education Officer, Chipping Campden Music Festival
1 Leamington RoadBroadway
Worcestershire WR12 7EF
England+44 (0) 1386 859 648
earlymusica@permutation.com
www.earlymusica.permutation.com
http://www.recordermail.demon.co.uk/harpsichord/www.campdenmusicafestival.co.uk

Paul Clark and Farncombe: Building on what Paul started for us

I am writing to all those who have attended or expressed an interest in Paul Clark’s Recorder Ensemble weekends to let you know that Paul will no longer be leading them. Many of you will be aware that he suffered a heart attack earlier this year. He has since decided that he should not run weekend courses. This is a huge loss to Farncombe as it was Paul who in October 2003, just after our launch in September that year, ran the very first weekend course to take place in the Farncombe Estate Centre programme. The splendid start he gave us with a group of committed and happy students was a huge fillip for an embryonic activity and set us on the way to having over 3,000 people here on evening talks, day schools, weekend courses and special events in 2006, with 4,500 expected in 2007.

We have in the programme for 2007, two more Recorder Ensemble weekends: 15 to 17 June and 21 to 23 September. On Paul’s recommendation we have asked Andrew Collis to take over these weekends. A brief CV for Andrew is attached together with the course description for his June course which is slightly different from Paul’s original programme. We hope he will continue to run weekends for us in future years.

Meanwhile, immediately following Paul’s heart attack when we were unable to speak to him, we contacted Helen Hooker who very kindly stood in at short notice to lead the weekend in February. We hope that she will also run weekends for us in 2008 and beyond. In addition we had already added to the programme some Recorder Day Schools which will be led by Cathy Dew who lives here in Worcestershire. The first of these is 13 October.

Paul has given us a great start to recorder playing at Farncombe. I hope we are taking that forward in ways that reflect his love and commitment to the instrument and its music.

If you have any questions or would like more information on any of the events, do please contact us.

With regards, William Reddaway - Head of Lifelong Learning


Andrew Collis
Andrew studied recorder with Paul Clark and at Trinity College of Music with Philip Thorby. Andrew performs in various ensembles at venues and festivals throughout the UK. An experienced teacher at all levels and as a tutor on courses/weekends he coaches a wide range of music from Early to avant-garde.

Ensemble Weekend 15 to 17 June 2007
The weekend is for competent recorder players in an ensemble situation. We will play some great music from a diverse collection of composers, something for all tastes. Music includes works by Gibbons, Purcell, Bach, Haydn, Hilling and Staeps. Instruments from sopranino down to Contra bass are welcome. The sessions will look at style and performance practice as well as recorder technique and playing in an ensemble.

Helen Hooker
Helen studied the recorder at Trinity College of Music under Philip Thorby, graduating in 1993 with a first class degree and the Post-Graduate Certificate in performance with distinction. She now combines performing on the recorder with teaching the instrument in and around her home town of Chichester. Helen regularly teaches on residential courses for recorder players of all ages, including the Recorder Summer School, of which she is Chairperson. Helen has directed weekend recorder courses at West Dean College since 2003. Helen is a visiting conductor and Musical Advisor to the Society of Recorder Players, regularly conducting recorder ensembles throughout the British Isles.

Helen has performed widely on the recorder, both as a soloist and chamber musician. She gives regular recitals throughout the UK with The Parnassian Ensemble. Helen has also been a tutor for the National Youth Recorder Orchestra of Great Britain since its inception in 2002.

Cathy Dew
Cathy is a recorder player specialising in music of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. She studied at the University of York, where she completed a PhD on instrumental music of the early seventeenth century. With Robert Howarth, she reached the final of the Early Music Network International Young Artists Competition in 1995, has broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and has performed as a soloist with a number of baroque orchestras. She regularly performs with harpsichordist Micaela Schmitz and enjoys leading educational workshops on early music for young people and adults across the UK.