Here is what you and Dame Kelly Holmes say about us....

“This may be the most beautiful view in the whole country.” Colin Dexter, author of Inspector Morse novels and crossword enthusiast, Sept 2011

“This business is a real success story. It is an organisation that has had to branch out and invent new lines of business, becoming so successful that it needs more space… It’s superb to see high-quality facilities springing up anywhere, but particularly in such a beautiful part of the country. What an amazing facility.” John Penrose MP, Tourism & Heritage Minister, February 2012

“I haven’t been here before but wow, it’s a great place.” Dame Kelly Holmes, double Gold Medal winning athlete, December 2011

YOU SAY:
“Very much appreciate the ‘green tourism’ approach.” Anne Mackintosh, March 2012

“The teaching room was v. pleasant – spacious and comfortable. The provision of tea and coffee nearby was a plus! The ability to leave bulky instruments in a locked room overnight was a blessing.” Helen Brown (Intro to String Ensemble Playing) March 2012

“Accommodation and food excellent, so was the tuition.” Pat Mullard, March 2012

“Food excellent… thoroughly enjoyed my stay – the location is wonderful and staff very helpful. Loved the water features around the grounds.” Heather Hickman, March 2012

“The rooms were clean, the staff always helpful. The shower was lovely and the food was great!” Sara McKeon, Feb 2012

“Thank you for bright smiles and cheerful helpfulness – this is most important!” Barry Sherratt, Feb 2012

“Lovely venue. Good value for money. Learnt a lot.” Maggie Rigg, Feb 2012

“Wonderful venue. Courteous and very helpful staff. Overall an excellent weekend. A HUGE thank you to everyone involved! PS. I’m very much looking forward to my next course!” (Anon) Feb 2012

“Well-planned course. Lovely environment. Staff helpful. Food excellent. Room very good. Teaching area excellent.” Wendy Curtis, January 2012

“The facilities at Farncombe are very good. The building we used was beautiful and lent to the overall experience. I had a great weekend and will come again.” Pauline McDonald, January 2012

“I have realised, with some embarrassment, that I never wrote to thank you for everything you and your colleagues did to make my Chinese friend’s first visit to Farncombe such a wonderful experience when he and I attended the recent Tannhäuser weekend. Shang, who is from Beijing, had not been in England very long, and was deeply touched by all the help he was given and how welcome he was made to feel. He was given a lift to and from his bed and breakfast accommodation, and was even told on the Saturday evening that it was up to him to decide when he wanted the car to take him back. He was thrilled by the whole thing and has already booked a place on the Rheingold course in March… We both remain very grateful that you looked after him so well.” Clare Canton, Dec 2011

“Farncombe is a beautiful place & the standard of care, accommodation and food was excellent.” Martin Gisby, Nov 2011

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.

Recorder Ensemble: Recorder Mix

Start: 14th September 2012 at 6:00pm
End: 16th September 2012 at 2:00pm
Tutor: Andrew Collis

This Recorder Ensemble Course mixes composers, styles and techniques for competent players of recorders (Descant through Bass) who have experience of ensemble and one-to-a-part playing. The music will be original recorder works and arrangements of orchestral/vocal pieces. It will cover the variety of approaches to music found in the Recorder Ensemble repertoire. Players of Great and Contra Bass recorder are also welcome. Good sight-reading ability is required and also the confidence to change instruments. Performance practice, technique and aural skills will be covered, along with recorder care and maintenance.

For more information on this or any of our Making Music Courses please follow this link.

To book please call us on 0333 456 8580

Summer Schools and Residential Courses in the Cotswolds

This Summer Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds is hosting a wide range of Summer Schools on it's 320-acre Estate. Course are both residential and one day, topics range from Quilting, Crafts and Textiles, Photography, Watercolour Painting, Art Appreciation, Literature and Writing and Garden Breaks. For more information on our Summer Schools please visit our website or call us on 0333 456 8580. You can also fill in the form on our website to request a full printed brochure.