THE

LATE NEWS NEW COURSE DATE

Preparing for Grades 4 and 5 piano (Code 13/255) with Rachel Buxton now runs from 9 to 11 July.

UZZ
june 2013
Welcome to the edition of The Buzz. June Recent visitors to Benslow Music will know that the part of the building project dealing with A Block in the Coach House has now been completed. Thanks to a little judicious shifting of walls and doors we are now the proud owners of two light and airy ground floor ensuite bedrooms with bathroom facilities appropriate for the less able. A far cry from the somewhat grim arrangement of the old disabled facility in Pamela Maud wing, beloved of none but the eccentric. And since we were already working in the area, it seemed silly not to improve the first floor arrangement. At the expense of one very poky bedroom we now have a splendid and characterful single en-suite room. No longer does the bedroom door smash against a sink before it has travelled 45 degrees. A happy consequence of this work has also resulted in a minor improvement to the Boult Studio, which now boasts one newly plastered wall and improved sound where there were once ugly utility cupboards. Weve also installed some rather friendlier lighting. But we know that there is still much to do to update our bedroom accommodation. Watch for more developments soon. Meanwhile work proceeds apace on the ground floor of Pamela Maud as it undergoes its transformation into the headquarters of our daughter charity the Benslow Instrument Loan Scheme. The suite of rooms will include a climactically controlled store room for instruments, a small workshop for a visiting luthier, a rather swish kitchen, a main office and a studio space. Two courses this month stand out in my mind as particularly successful. One was Benslow Baroque Strings: Corelli and the Concerto Grosso, impeccably organised by our tutor Theresa Caudle and brilliantly taught by her, her brother the cellist Mark Caudle and the harpsichordist Alistair Ross. The spirit of joy in

CHANGE OF COURSE TOPIC

Julian Williamss course on Heitor VillaLobos (Code 13/261) will now be devoted to the topic Who was the real Antonio Salieri?. The dates (12 to 14 July) and course code remain the same. (See inside for new course description).

making music was exactly what this place should always be about. And then there was the first of our three weekends during each of which the illustrious Allegri Quartet, as well as teaching their usual brilliant course, gives two concerts, eventually covering Beethovens entire quartet output. Here again the spirit of discovery and excitement was palpable, and I feel a huge sense of personal fulfilment knowing that I have been able to facilitate this great music to be performed by great musicians for our own course members and audiences. The next weekend is from 1 to 3 November. I look forward to two full houses for the concerts, and quartets thinking about attending the course should remember that they dont have to play Beethoven! Before then, however, we have our Music on Summer Tuesdays mini-festival, with a line-up of wonderful musicians performing music from Dowland to Britten and beyond. The schedule for the first seven months of 2014 is more or less complete, and although we will not be taking bookings from members until the beginning of August, when our on-line booking system will be in operation, and from non-members four weeks after that, the completed brochure will be placed on line as soon as it is published in mid-July. As usual Ive tried to include one or two innovations and to refresh old favourites as well as retaining the courses that I know will always be popular. As ever we depend heavily on word of mouth to spread the news about us, so please let all of your friends and relatives know about our work. Even for those who arent practising musicians theres plenty on offer. And for those new to serious music, our two new autumn Crash Courses in Classical Music and in Opera are intended to provide a basic orientation in the musical arts. We really want to live up to our slogan, which states that we are for everyone who loves music. We look forward to seeing you here soon.

Stephen Pettitt Director of Music

www.benslowmusic.org

COMPOSING WITH SIR PETER MAXWELL DAVIES - LATEST

Following Sir Peter Maxwell Daviess withdrawal from his projected July composing course, we have reluctantly decided not to replace him. However, we are looking at finding a gap in the schedule in early autumn for an alternative composing course. We apologise for keeping so many people waiting for more news.

forthcoming concerts MUSIC ON SUMMER TUESDAYS

16, 30 july, 6, 13, 20 august, 8pm
An enticing series of five concerts of music ranging from Dowland to Britten given by world class artists. Programme details are available on our web site.

Tickets 12 I Box Office: 01462 459446

A Summer School of two halves

We are now able to offer those who might want to attend Colin Bradburys Wind Plus course but feel unable to commit for six days the chance to come for the first three or the last three days only. As usual we have plenty of flutes, but horn players, bassoonists, oboists and even a couple of clarinets are still welcome. The rates for each half-course are 50% of those for the entire course - just 300 for three days.

ROSE CONSORT OF VIOLS

CLARE WILKINSON mezzo-soprano

Tuesday 16 July, 8pm

places available
We still have places available on the following July courses. The Benslow Late Starters Orchestra
(Code 13/260, 12 - 14 Jul) (Code 13/261, 12 - 14 Jul) (Code 13/008, 28 Jul)

From Silent Night - Music by Dowland, Gibbons and Byrd. MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING Tuesday 30 July, 8pm

Who was the real Antonio Salieri? Music Technology Day Playing at Leisure Summer Winds
(Code 13/PAL, 2 - 4 Aug) (Code 13/405, 12 - 16 Aug)

Baroque Summer School

(Code 13/ALI, 14 - 16 Jun)

SUMMER SCHOOLS UPDATE

Were very proud of our Summer Schools offering, which caters not only for Benslow regulars but also for the up and coming generation of professionals to be. There are still some places left on our International Summer Schools for advanced students (ideally close to diploma standard or better) on Harp, Violin, Viola and Cello (all of which run from 29 July to 2 August) and on Flute, Oboe and Conducting (from 5 to 9 August). The courses are particularly good value for those under 27 (as at 1 January) who pay 25% less than those older than 27. And we do have a small Bursary fund intended to help the impecunious and deserving attend Benslow Music courses, including these. Meanwhile the Summer Schools catering for nonprofessional musicians of a wide ability range are recruiting well, but again we have some room to spare. Early application is advisable, nevertheless!

Darragh Morgan violin William Bruce cello Martin Outram viola Danielle Perrett harp Julian Rolton piano Mary Dullean pianoi Forthcoming August Concerts 6 August - The Virtuoso Flute 13 August - Celebrating Britten in Song 20 August - A Bach Evening Concerts take place in Peter Morrison Hall, Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin Herts SG4 9RB
Free entry for young people and full time students. Please contact us for details.

TUTOR PROFILE DARRAGH MORGAN

Were very proud to be associated with the brilliant Irish violinist Darragh Morgan, who teaches regularly at Benslow Music. Darraghs biography speaks loudly of a musician who relishes the breadth of repertoire afforded to the violinist and who is equally at home as a solo recitalist, a chamber musician (most often with the Fidelio Trio), a frequent concerto soloist and a sought-after guest leader of many prestigious ensembles and orchestras. Darragh particularly enjoys direct engagement with living composers and has collaborated with many of them, including Arvo Prt, Michael Nyman, Sir John Tavener, Gavin Bryars, Kevin Volans and Michael Finnissy, on new works. His concerto appearances include playing with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, the Ulster Orchestra, RTE Concert Orchestra in Dublin, the KZN Philharmonic South Africa, the Koln Kammer Orkest, the Istanbul Symphony Orchestra and the Cyprus Chamber Orchestra. He has also appeared as guest leader of Ensemble Modern, Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, London Sinfonietta, Musik Fabrik and Remix Ensemble. His festival appearances range from Wien Modern and Bang on a Can Marathon New York to the Lucerne Festival, the BBC Proms, the Aldeburgh and Spitalfields Festivals and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival. With the Fidelio Trio he has performed all over the world and as former violinist with the Smith Quartet, he made an acclaimed recording of Philip Glasss complete string quartets. Darragh is also a sought-after teacher, and is professor of violin and chamber music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He has worked with all levels of proficiency, leading courses for Late Starters as well as advanced musicians both at Benslow Music and elsewhere. Anyone who has attended his courses will know that he is utterly devoted to bringing out the best in everyone. Those who heard Darragh play at Benslow Music in his dazzling solo recital last year and with the Fidelio Trio earlier this year will know that no challenge is a challenge too far for him, and that, as well as playing with an amazing technical fluency, he brings a rare intelligence and an unfailingly alluring sound to everything he does, new or old. He lives in North London with his wife, the pianist Mary Dullea (who also plays with the Fidelio Trio and is his duo partner) and their two young children. Darraghs next courses at Benslow Music are: Late Starters String Orchestra (12 - 14 July), Late Starter Violins (15 - 18 July) and the International Violin Summer School (29 July - 2 August)

COMMENTS on RECENT COURSES DORIC STRING QUARTET

Always a pleasure to arrive at Benslow Music, a special, welcoming place to make music

OBOE EXTRAVAGANZA
I have been in oboe heaven. Thank you for a wonderful weekend I love this course and learnt so much. Andrew and Ian always go the extra mile

BENSLOW BAROQUE STRINGS

Excellent tutoring, I learnt a lot. It was especially nice, because the tutors played with us in the orchestra Brilliant tutors, wonderful music

BASSANOS BRASS SCHOOL

An utterly lovely, relaxing place to come - Its like a peaceful haven! Thank you for the wonderful service you provide

GROUP QUARTETS WITH JONATHAN TROUT

Thank you for a most stimulating and rewarding course. I have learned so much and enjoyed the good company Very efficient and delightful cheerful staff

SUPERB SAXES
This course was excellent, Jeffery and Tim (piano) could not be bettered. Their abilities and styles are so wide ranging.

STRING QUARTETS WITH the ALLEGRI the BEETHOVEN PROJECT 1

Excellent innovation. Lecture very illuminating in preparation for the concert. Allegri coaching very friendly, supportive and full of good ideas

THE BENSLOW UKULELE COURSE

Everyone was really nice and helpful. Just lovely

PLAYING AT LEISURE
Many people expressed interest in our experimental Playing at Leisure weekend but as yet insufficient numbers have actually committed. If you were thinking of using this opportunity to come along for a relaxing time, mixing informally with other non-professional musicians, enjoying our hospitality and our gardens, and perhaps finding a few things to play together with your fellow guests and all for a rate which is far below what you would expect to pay for a weekends full board at a modest hotel with no music facilities please let us know by midday on Monday 1 July at the very latest.

sos
The Mornington Sinfonia, based in North London, are currently looking for new members.There are currently vacancies for strings, oboe, trumpet, timpani and bassoon and this terms programme includes Rossinis The Silken Ladder, Beethovens 2nd and Mozarts 40th Symphonies. See their website for details. www.morningtonsinfonia.org.uk

Friday 2 - Sunday 4 August (Code 13/PAL) Resident: 185 Non-resident: 135

RECIPE OF THE MONTH spANISH LAMB

Because Im not very fond of turkey and because I enjoy doing things slightly differently, this is a dish that I like to prepare for Christmas dinner with a few friends. But its good at any time of year. In winter serve with crisp roast potatoes and carrots (maybe poached in butter, a little brown sugar and pernod), or in summer just add a simple green salad. 2 - 3 tsp salt 1 shoulder of lamb 5 tbsp olive oil Freshly ground black pepper 2 bay leaves Fresh thyme leaves 1/2 tsp paprika 1 large red onion 18 garlic cloves 1/2 tsp fennel seeds Fresh rosemary A generous glug of cognac At least 1/2 bottle good dry white wine Chop the thyme and rosemary and rub the chopped leaves and the salt into the shoulder of lamb. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and leave to stand for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile chop the onion and crush each garlic clove with the back of a wooden spoon, but dont worry about peeling. In a heavy iron roasting pan large and deep enough to contain the joint gently fry the onion and garlic in the oil until the onion begins to colour (about ten minutes). Add fennel seeds, paprika, bay leaves, wine, brandy and finally the untrimmed joint, complete with bone, plus two or three extra sprigs of rosemary. Cover and roast at 175C for about 3 hours, periodically basting with the juices and adding more liquid (water or wine) if the dish looks to be getting too dry. Leave to rest for 10 minutes or so before serving. The meat will be succulent and super-tender and will drop off the bone cleanly.

Course Competition
Thank you to all who sent us suggestions for new courses. There were some very intriguing ideas. The one we liked the best was suggested by Christine Baelz, who thought that a weekend for small groups of singers, rather like our wind chamber music courses, would be welcomed. Her thinking was that we could recruit singers willing and able to hold a line on their own and who were good sight readers and form instant groups from them. Although we cannot programme this in August it needs a little thought and very careful tutor selection to put into practice - its certainly an idea well worth pursuing, so dont be surprised if it crops up sometime in 2014

CHANGE OF COURSE TOPIC

Because of limited interest Julian Williamsons proposed course The extraordinary life of Heitor Villa Lobos (Code 13/261) will no longer run. Instead on the same dates, 12 to 14 July, we propose that Julian will give an exciting course entitled Who was the real Antonio Salieri? The course code remains unchanged. The composer Antonio Salieri has had, as we say, an appalling press. The legend about him being jealous of Mozarts talents and responsible for his death has been explored, not to say ruthlessly exploited, in works by Pushkin, Rimsky-Korsakov and Peter Shaffer, so that he is now commonly regarded as a third rate composer and as a musical pariah. Julian Williamsons course aims to set the record straight. He will show that Salieri was in fact one of the most important musicians in Europe over a period of half a century, writing more than forty fine operas which regularly filled the major European opera theatres and occupying the highest musical posts in Vienna. And he was hugely respected by his peers. This is an unmissable exploration of a great man, a major career and some very fine music.

SP

HONEY BACK IN STOCK

At long last, following some fine husbandry practised through the strange extremes of our climactic conditions by our beekeeping team, Benslow Music Honey is back in stock and available at Reception for 5.50 per jar. (Please note that an incorrect web address appears on some labels. We are www.benslowmusic.org.)

Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9RB T: 0044 (0)1462 459446 I E: info@benslowmusic.org I W: www.benslowmusic.org