Introduction to the Summer School for Pianists
11th-17th August 2019
Stowe School, Buckingham, MK18 5EH
President: Wendy Wyatt
Artistic Directors: Karl Lutchmayer, Christine Stevenson
Guest tutors: Graham Fitch, Ann Martin-Davis, James Lisney
Guest lecturer: David Owen Norris (tbc)
Administrator: Brian White
For over 40 years, this Summer School has established a unique place amongst an ever-growing number of summer schools being held each year throughout the British Isles.
In what way is this course so special?
It combines an atmosphere of friendliness with musical expertise, creating a most positive and rewarding week. People of a very wide range of pianistic levels can meet and enjoy all that’s good about music-making, without any unhealthy competitiveness or feeling of inadequacy. Participants return year after year to this keenly anticipated annual event. The incomparable splendour of Stowe House set in 250 acres of gardens landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the excellent facilities of the All Steinway music department of Stowe School, a warm welcome, studies with leading experts, recitals by tutors and students, good food, ensuite accommodation and a final gala dinner in the State Music Room, make this course both memorable and inspiring.
In 2018 the tutor presentations, “Piano Matters”, were especially praised for making the course even more attractive for performing participants and for observers as well. The three “Piano Matters” topics for 2019 are The Classical Cover Version from Karl Lutchmayer; ‘Keeping Repertoire Fresh’ from Graham Fitch, and Chord of the Week – an Exploration of Harmony from David Owen Norris (tbc).
What is the Programme of the Summer School for Pianists?
The tutor Recitals will be particularly varied, with the repertoire drawn from composers including Purcell, Louis Couperin, Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Hindemith and Britten.
The theme for 2019 is the influence that folk music-making has had on piano repertoire – folk music, dance, song and legend. As a non-obligatory option, participants are invited to choose a piece with a ‘folk’ connection. There is much to explore!
There will be a class for Piano Accompaniment with Ann Martin-Davis and baritone Brian White, and a series of early evening optional activities – including choir, a session on Sight-reading Skills with Christine Stevenson, a presentation on technique: ‘The Essential Mr Czerny’ with James Lisney, and a session on Audacity Software, with Dieter Nadal. Learn to record your own performances on your laptop!
There are six thirty-minute solo recital opportunities – Platforms – available for a modest charge, and three student concerts for solo or duet items.
And there will be time to wander around the grounds, play a round of golf on the 9-hole golf course (green fees apply), have a game of tennis (please bring your own racquets and tennis balls) or, for an additional fee, enjoy a guided tour of Stowe House.
As usual, each participant will be allotted three half-hour slots in their masterclasses during the week. All are welcome to visit other classes to observe. Private lessons can be booked with each of the tutors.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.pianosummerschool.co.uk/about/