This is another adult learning course, similar to that given at the Barn last January. As before, the new course was given first at the U3A National Summer School this year (but this time at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire).

Course content

Like the first course, this one is directed at people who enjoy classical music, but feel that their enjoyment could be enhanced by knowing a little more about the music and its composers. Where the last course covered the development of classical music from 570 to 1975, this one moves around many countries of the world, introducing some of the lesser-known composers (as well as great names) and looks briefly, here and there, at some of the folk music which has influenced these composers. Now and then there are descriptions of some of the musical forms (the fugue, the concerto, the suite and so on).

This is not a technical or academic course for experts; experience in the subject is not necessary. Neither is it necessary to have attended the first course in order to enjoy this second one: while they complement each other, they stand apart. It is impossible to present such a course without mentioning Beethoven, Mozart, or Tchaikovsky, for example, but the majority of the composers dealt with in the new course are not touched upon in the old.

Practicalities

The course will be held in the Barn Theatre Auditorium, and will consist of eleven seminars, run over three days: Wednesday 2nd January, from 11.30 am to 5.30 pm and Thursday and Friday, 3rd and 4th January, each from 9.15 am to 5.30 pm. There will be six refreshment breaks between seminars over the three days, and a two-course buffet lunch will also be provided each day. (For those who enjoyed the food last time – the same caterers are being employed!). The cost of the course will be as before: £64 per person, which includes the seminars, information sheets supplied with each seminar, and all refreshments and lunches. All profits from the course will be donated to the Barn Studio Fund.

Comments

Comments made by ‘students’ who attended the previous course at the Barn in January included:

• ‘very enjoyable and informative three days, and at a bargain price!’
• ‘Came away informed and inspired – a fantastic experience!’
• ‘Excellent, informative with a light-hearted touch. The catering, which was excellent, complemented the course perfectly. Very good value for money.’

Contact

If you would like to enjoy a similar experience, or wish to receive more information, please contact: Jack Wood, 01707 377900, [email protected]