BACKThe Dartington International Summer School & Festival 2016 launches tonight at the House of St Barnabas, Soho
The Dartington International Summer School & Festival, renowned for its world-class music as well as literature, dance, electronica and much more, reveals its 2016 programme tonight in the heart of Soho at its annual launch.
Between 30th July and 27th August 2016, the South Devon countryside will become home to musicians and artists from all over the country, as they flock to Dartington for over eighty evening concerts and a packed educational programme.
Renowned pianist and curator, Joanna MacGregor, will act as Artistic Director for the second year running, and has devised a programme with both breadth and vision, which will bring together performers and composers, writers, poets and artists; 2016 tutors, lecturers and performers include Judith Weir, Emma Kirkby and Alfred Brendel.
This diverse Summer School & Festival includes a wide variety of courses, from jazz, opera and folk to contemporary and classical music, music theatre, world music and electronica. The programme also embraces poetry, literature and dance, as well as multimedia and film. Each year, new partnerships and relationships are forged, which continue to develop far beyond the end of the summer.
Joanna MacGregor’s impact on the Dartington International Summer School & Festival has been extensive and wide-ranging. The 2015 festival saw a 200% increase in concert ticket sales, with almost 700 participants involved in the Summer School. The programme caters for a wide range of ages and ability, providing courses for professional musicians, music students and amateurs, as well as opportunities for music enthusiasts to learn, listen and observe. Dartington’s refreshing, dynamic and supportive learning environment encourages its participants to expand and develop musically, whilst feeling part of a community and socialising with like-minded music-lovers.
Each week of the Summer School & Festival is themed and carefully programmed. In 2016, Week 1 includes a Shakespeare and Theatre course, Week 2 has a Baroque flavour, Week 3 is a treat for pianists and string players, and Week 4 presents creative practice in all its forms, from jazz to composition and multimedia.
With concerts daily, this unique Summer School and Festival takes place within the beautiful medieval Dartington Estate in South Devon. As if world-class musical performances and educational programmes with international stars weren’t enough, you can also enjoy a variety of activities, from yoga, dance and tai chi to evening concerts and midnight jamming sessions in the bar.
The season kicks off with Party in the Town – a new, free festival held in Totnes on 27th May, which celebrates creativity and diversity of local musicians and artists. Click here to view their line-up!
The Festival & Summer School is packed with must-see events; book tickets now to secure your seat and view the brochure for more information. Also, be sure to follow Dartington International Summer School & Festival on Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest news!
