Finchcocks visit on Kent Big Day Out

Andrew — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 23:09:58 +0000

We applied on the ballot for this years Kent Big Day Out event and were fortunate to get our preferred venue, Finchcocks Musical Museum just outside Goudhurst. Due to a prior engagement for lunch we only made the second half of a most enjoyable afternoon, starting off with a cream tea in the cellar restaurant. We then spent time looking at the collection of over 100 historical keyboard instruments and some of their collection of photographs and prints.

We then assembled for a memorable musical recital by Richard Burnett, Gary and Alastair.

A selection of our photographs:

A view of the back of the Georgian house.

At last the daffodils in the lovely gardens are in bloom. Very late this year.

A view of three of the pianos on display

John Broadwood and Sons London 1845 concert grand piano in amboyna wood

We are assembling for the demonstrations and recitals.

Richard on the Adam Beyer 1777 square piano playing a sonato.

Gary and Richard - a duet

A five hand piece by Richard, Gary and Alastair

The recital concluded by Finchcocks curator Alastair Laurence entertaining us with two pieces including Springdance from Bergen.

Please include Finchcocks in your itinary when visiting Kent- opening times are on their website:

www.finchcocks.co.uk

Some of this years events:

Midsummer Music

June 13: Baroque Music
June 20: ‘Desert Island Songs’ with baritone Stephen Varcoe and pianist Christina Lawrie
June 27: Clavichord Recital with Marcia Hadjimarkos
July 4: The Regency Duo – Jane Austen programme
July 11: Primavera
July 18: Tallis Chamber Choir

August Bank Holiday – Pleasure Gardens Gala

August 29 & 30: ‘Dr Arne at Vauxhall Gardens’

Autumn Festival

Sept 10-12: The English Organ (concerts, talks & workshop)
Sept 17-19: Chopin Anniversary Celebrations
Sept 24: Bel Canto recital with tenor Simon Edwards
Sept 25: A Feast of Victoriana
Oct 2: Concert by winners of the Broadwood Competition
Oct 3: Finals of the John Kerr Award

Christmas Concerts

Dec 5: Young Performers’ Recital in aid of Save the Children
Dec 12: Primavera: Country House Concerts
Dec 19: Friends of Finchcocks Concert – The Tivoli Band

Scotney Castle in Springtime

Andrew — Sun, 10 May 2009 10:11:00 +0000

The Azaleas are at there best this time of year.

Part of the ruin at Scotney