When modern musical drama - or opera as it soon became known - developed in the 17th century, its subjects were mostly ancient myths or historical events. But in the late 19th century, there was an increasing desire to bring opera closer to home, closer to people's own experiences of life. The operas of Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) are a prime example of this; he wanted to express the emotions that affect all of us, and to achieve this by means of compelling characters, powerful dramatic scenarios, and - most of all - beautiful, moving music. We shall explore how he went about this in his operas, from Manon Lescaut of 1893 to the work he left unfinished at his untimely death, Turandot.

To mark 100 years since the death of this remarkable composer, join tutor Gwyn Parry-Jones for a relaxing residential stay in the stunning setting of Pennard House for a course covering the rich history behind Giacomo Puccini and his lasting legacy in the world of opera.

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 (2nd December) until lunch on the last day (4th December)

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)

Booking type:

Resident (Single occupancy - En-suite) - DEPOSIT Resident (Single Occupancy - Private Bathroom) - DEPOSIT Resident (Single occupancy - Shared Bathroom) - DEPOSIT Resident [Double Room] (Shared occupancy - En-Suite - Per person) - DEPOSIT Resident [Twin Room] (Shared occupancy - En-suite - Per person) - DEPOSIT Non-resident - DEPOSIT

Quantity:

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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
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
www.pennardhouse.com
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
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!