What is it that makes the concerto such a powerful and attractive musical form? Is it the contrast, the drama? Or the compelling spectacle of an individual pitted against the masses? Whatever it is, we’ll find that the concerto is a musical form that predates the symphony, the string quartet, and many other genres besides – and is still going strong to this day. The story is a fascinating one of how it first came into being in the 17th century and blossomed from there. And along the way we shall encounter masterpieces by major composers at every stage of its development.
Join tutor Gwyn Parry-Jones as using audio and video recordings, we shall hear many of the most brilliant performers of modern times in action, bringing their own personal talents to bear on these great works.
Our home for the course is the stunning Pennard House, nestled in the beautiful Somerset countryside. During your stay, you’ll enjoy the most delicious locally-sourced food and immerse yourself in a truly home-from-home atmosphere in the house and grounds of this stunning Jacobean manor house.
The course runs from dinner on the first day (22nd September) until lunch on the last day (24th September)
Prices (per-person)
Residential (Single Occupancy - En-suite): £590
Residential (Single Occupancy - Private Bathroom): £550
Residential (Single Occupancy - Shared Bathroom): £530*
Residential (Shared Occupancy - En-suite): £470
Non-resident: £320
*Bathroom is shared with just one other room.
We operate a deposit scheme of £150 per-person for all booking types, with the balance due 4 weeks before the course start date.
(We will send a reminder and secure payment link for the balance on the due date)
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Gwyn Parry-Jones has been involved in continuing education, at various institutions and in various capacities, for over 40 years. Music is his subject, and is at the centre of all his work, so his extensive professional performing experience as conductor, instrumentalist and singer feeds in to his work, as do his years as a university head of department.
Click here to find out more about Gwyn and his other available courses
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Pennard House is a Grade II listed Manor House with a homely feel. There are grand reception rooms, luxury bedrooms and a converted Coach House event venue ideal for all manner of parties. All set in 4 acres of lush gardens and surrounded by 180 acres of meadows, woodlands and apple orchards. There’s a croquet lawn, tipis in the garden and even a freshwater swimming lake. At Pennard they have the makings for the perfect event in a truly English setting.
All course rooms, communal and dining spaces have disabled access, but it is worth noting that all bedrooms are located on the first floor with access via stairs only.
There is ample free parking on site.
The postcode is BA4 6TP
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You can book either as a resident or as a non-resident student for this course.
RESIDENT (Single occupancy)
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.RESIDENT (Single occupancy - Shared Bathroom)
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course. (NOTE: You would be sharing a bathroom with just one other room)RESIDENT (Shared occupancy) [Double or Twin]*
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.*Rooms are for 2 people sharing only. Each guest staying must book one of these tickets.
NON-RESIDENT
Includes one place on the course plus lunch and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.
If, as a non-resident student, you wish to join the group for breakfast or dinner on any of the days then this can be arranged and charged separately. Simply send a request, no later than 2 weeks before the course start date, to info@neighbourhoodlearning.com -
The luxurious bedrooms at Pennard House are either doubles or twins. All of them are either en-suite except for one which has a private bathroom that can be booked at a reduced rate. There are two additional rooms which share a bathroom that can also be booked at a reduced rate.
All rooms come with towels included.
Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will of course always try to accommodate requests where possible!
Check in is from 15:00 on the day of arrival
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Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
DAY ONE
The course will have a first session from 20:00 - 21:00, after dinner on the first day.DAY TWO
The second day will begin from 09:30 and run with lunch and refreshment breaks until 16:30. There will be another after-dinner session from 20:00 - 21:00.DAY THREE
Our final day will run though from 09:30 until 13:00, at which point the course will finish with lunch. -
A pen and paper might be handy if you wish to make notes and an open mind!
