Updated 15th August 2007

The Symphonies of Ralph Vaughan Williams

This event is presented in association with the RVW Society

Friday 29th February - Sunday 2nd March 2008
Haddon House Hotel, West Bay, Bridport

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) is one of the great symphonic composers. His approach in his nine symphonies is imaginative, diverse and visionary, across a period of half a century. During our weekend we will consider them all, placing them in the context of their time and exploring the experience the music offers the listener, with music examples on excellent hi-fi equipment.

Haddon House is a delightful Regency style country house hotel situated just 300 yards from the harbour and beaches at West Bay, and has been refurbished to the highest standard. The location is designated as an area of outstanding beauty, with magnificent coastal scenery including sandy beaches, towering cliffs and shingle banks, such as the famous Chesil Beach. Inland can be found some of England’s most picturesque villages.

The weekend is designed as an informal 'house party'. Guests need only the ability to enjoy music; no technical knowledge will be required. Arts in Residence offers an excellent cuisine including wine with dinner. The event will end with afternoon tea on Sunday, but for those wishing to depart on Monday, it will be possible to stay for an extra night at a special rate.

Terry Barfoot writes widely on music for Britain’s leading journals, orchestras, festivals and record companies. A founder member of the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society, he lectures at Oxford and other universities, and is Publications Consultant to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

James Day is the author of the Master Musicians book on Vaughan Williams. He worked as Lektor for English in the University of Basel, before returning to Cambridge to teach at the Language School of which he eventually became principal. He regards Vaughan Williams as the 20th century’s greatest symphonist.

Price: £265.00 per person (twin/double rooms), £285.00 (single rooms)
to include all meals, wine, beverages, course fees and accommodation.

Booking: Arts in Residence, 25, Mulberry Lane, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 2QU.
£50.00 per person deposit with booking. (Cheques payable to Arts in Residence.)

Enquiries: 02392 383356
Email: info@artsinresidence.co.uk
Web: www.artsinresidence.co.uk

Itinerary

FRIDAY
5.00 Assemble and welcome
7.00 Aperitifs
7.30 Dinner
After dinner:
Symphony No. 5 in D

SUNDAY
8.15 Breakfast
9.30 Symphony No. 4 in F minor
10.45 Coffee
11.15 Symphony No. 6 in E minor
12.30 Lunch
2.15 The final harvest:
Symphony No. 8 in D minor
Symphony No. 9 in E minor
3.30 Tea and Departure