Forums > Recital - Dyrham Park, Nr Bath/ Bristol

skylark

Jul 19 2009, 05:12 PM

QUOTE(skylark @ Jul 9 2009, 09:52 PM)

In early October, I've arranged for an informal recital to take place at Dyrham Park, which is a fabulous National Trust property near Bristol/Bath.

It's mostly for advanced pianists and singers, but some woodwind as well. The piano has been kindly tested by a forum member and is a Bechstein apparently, with a lovely tone, a bit bigger than a baby grand. As well as playing the Bechstein in the main hall, we also have the use of the Orangery (provided it isn't raining) for anyone who wishes to sing or play a wind instrument with digital piano accompaniment (subject to accompaniment offers)

I already have some names of people who are interested (including those who offered to test the piano who will have first refusal as previously promised) and numbers are necessarily limited. However, if anyone else would like to register an interest, please let me know. The event is particularly for adult learners but teachers are also very welcome

Look forward to meeting lots of new forum friends, as well as the ~~old~~ familiar ones

skylark
organiser, Players for Pleasure

PS. Please would you email me if you have my email address, or otherwise PM me. Thank you!

Further to the above post, some of us have been talking about hiring a cottage for the Friday/Saturday instead of staying in a hotel, and if we do this, I can set up my digital piano on the Friday afternoon/evening (or very early on the Saturday morning if pushed

) to do some rehearsals.

I've found a place which sounds ideal - fairly close to Dyrham Park, lots of cottage space, a sister-inn across the road which also has accommodation, and reasonably priced. I've no idea what the standard of accommodation is, but somebody who is coming to Dyrham Park lives close by and might know. If anyone is interested in either sharing self-catering or staying at the pub, please could you email me for details and let me know what accommodation you'd need (please don't PM, unless you haven't got my email address).

Appassionata

Jul 19 2009, 11:23 PM

I'd like to come and play or even just come and support the event. I live fairly close, so wouldn't need any accommodation

skylark

Jul 20 2009, 07:13 AM

Hi Appassionata, I'll PM you

Train-wise, I can arrange pick-ups from YATE station subject to times.

Misti

Jul 20 2009, 10:14 AM

I didn't see this happening, but its right on my doorstep. Can someone PM me details, and I'll see if I can free that day.

Digby

Aug 4 2009, 04:31 PM

Hi everyone - I'm very much looking forward to playing at this event and finally meeting people - I would like to just let any pianists know that as it is a standard Bechstein it ends on a top A so if you require a top B or C for your pieces - it's not there, which believe me if very offputting if you head for it and hit wood

having said that I think I've only played one piece in the last 5 years where this would be an issue, and that was Prokofiev vision fugative no 14.

Andy-piano-flute

Aug 4 2009, 05:10 PM

Is there a definite date for this yet? Don't think I've seen one mentioned but wondering if I've missed it

Amber

Aug 4 2009, 06:00 PM

Please count me in

Ambs xxx

If anyone would like to accompany me, please PM me.
Otherwise you'll get the bog standard set of folk songs!
eeek

skylark

Aug 5 2009, 09:14 PM

QUOTE(Digby @ Aug 4 2009, 05:31 PM)

Hi everyone - I'm very much looking forward to playing at this event and finally meeting people - I would like to just let any pianists know that as it is a standard Bechstein it ends on a top A so if you require a top B or C for your pieces - it's not there, which believe me if very offputting if you head for it and hit wood

having said that I think I've only played one piece in the last 5 years where this would be an issue, and that was Prokofiev vision fugative no 14.

Looking forward to meeting you too Digby!

QUOTE(Andy-piano-flute @ Aug 4 2009, 06:10 PM)

Is there a definite date for this yet? Don't think I've seen one mentioned but wondering if I've missed it

I can confirm it will be Saturday 3rd October, which is the best date for the National Trust and my friends who I'll be staying with (the ones who some of you met at Dunster last October and they're planning to come up to Dyrham Park as well

) Although the Dyrham Park event is mainly for advanced pianists and singers, orchestral players in the South West won't miss out because you'll be very welcome at flute diva's playday just outside Taunton on the the same day - here's the link and hope you all have a good time flute diva

If anyone in the area is visiting Dyrham Park that day, do say hello to us!

QUOTE(Amber @ Aug 4 2009, 07:00 PM)

Please count me in

Ambs xxx

You're already on the list Amber! Look forward to seeing and listening to you again

I'll try and get the form for this event sent out over the weekend

HenryJ

Aug 6 2009, 05:15 PM

I just might be able to put in an appearance here. Thanks for the suggestion that I sing the duet. Au fond du Temple Saint Skylark. I must say that it isn't in my rep. but I do have some Victorian duets if one of the other gentlemen would care to join me. I have a strong baritone voice too. Do we have a pianist for the occasion or a chamber group may I ask?

stetenorve

Aug 6 2009, 06:28 PM

QUOTE(HenryJ @ Aug 6 2009, 06:15 PM)

I just might be able to put in an appearance here. Thanks for the suggestion that I sing the duet. Au fond du Temple Saint Skylark. I must say that it isn't in my rep. but I do have some Victorian duets if one of the other gentlemen would care to join me. I have a strong baritone voice too. Do we have a pianist for the occasion or a chamber group may I ask?

Were you thinking of "Tenor and Baritone" (words by Black, music by H Lane Wilson) by any chance? I've sung this heaps of times and it is very popular!

skylark

Aug 6 2009, 10:55 PM

QUOTE(HenryJ @ Aug 6 2009, 06:15 PM)

I just might be able to put in an appearance here.

I've PM'd you - look forward to meeting you all being well

JohnBH

Aug 8 2009, 10:59 AM

HenryJ, I have sent a PM to you too. I am very new to this so perhaps you could comfirm that you received it?
If you were thinking of duets along the lines of Excelsior then I would be happy to join you. Perhaps the duet from Don Pasquale too? I note your interest in opera.

skylark

Aug 9 2009, 07:31 AM

Hi John and Henry - you've both got my email address and if you'll send me an email so that I've got your email addresses, I'll contact you both about the duet suggestion

My PM box is nearly full and in any case, I need to have event messages in my email box where I can access them easily, and at the moment it's often impossible to log on to the forum anyway. Thank you!

skylark

Aug 11 2009, 01:11 PM

QUOTE(skylark @ Aug 9 2009, 08:31 AM)

Hi John and Henry - you've both got my email address and if you'll send me an email so that I've got your email addresses, I'll contact you both about the duet suggestion

My PM box is nearly full and in any case, I need to have event messages in my email box where I can access them easily, and at the moment it's often impossible to log on to the forum anyway. Thank you!

In case this got missed, I'll repeat it again, and obviously it doesn't just apply to John and Henry.

To clarify in case anyone is reading this who hasn't got my email address, I'm more than happy to correspond by PM initially, but after that, I need to switch to email. Thank you.

PianoGalway

Aug 14 2009, 09:48 PM

I love Dyram Park.... I often stop off from the motorway and take my dog for a walk there when I drive over to UK.....then on to that pub in Wick for lunch/supper.....

Will be passing there next week when I come over.

Wish I could make the October event but realistically won't have time....

Best of luck with it all who are taking part!

skylark

Aug 14 2009, 11:08 PM

Thank you! and sorry you can't come, it would have been nice to meet you

skylark

Sep 2 2009, 01:30 PM

UPDATE....

Because the National Trust will only allow a limited number of us to take part, I'm afraid I can't accommodate everybody who expressed interest.

As promised a while ago, priority is being given to those who offered to test the piano. One person who offered to test the piano hasn't given me their email address for me to send the form to, and according to the message tracker, hasn't seen the PM I sent either. If this is you, please contact me!

Sorry to those whom I can't accommodate at this stage, but if anybody drops out for whatever reason, I'll contact the next in line off the reserve list

skylark

Sep 6 2009, 08:59 AM

Thanks to those who have sent their forms in - I'll send out acknowledgements next week. Please could I have the remaining forms in by early next week so that I can start putting the programme together

If anybody who has had a form is not able to come after all, please could you email me to let me know so that I can offer the place to somebody on the reserve list.

Thank you

skylark

Sep 9 2009, 02:47 PM

Everybody who has sent me a form should now have had an acknowledgement of receipt, unless it's in the post and will come tomorrow.

If anybody hasn't yet sent their form off, I could really do with it this week - I need to pay the cheques in, wait for them to clear because I don't keep funds in that charity account, and then send a cheque off to the National Trust before the event takes place. Many thanks

Frederic Chopin

Sep 9 2009, 03:31 PM

Thanks for your email skylark! How exciting!

Daisychain and Aeolienne, I have sent you PMs about accompaniment!

skylark

Sep 9 2009, 06:43 PM

QUOTE(Frederic Chopin @ Sep 9 2009, 04:31 PM)

How exciting!

It is indeed

There are some wonderful pieces being played and I can't wait!

And thanks very much for offering to accompany, Fred

DaisyChain

Sep 9 2009, 07:08 PM

QUOTE(Frederic Chopin @ Sep 9 2009, 04:31 PM)

Daisychain and Aeolienne, I have sent you PMs about accompaniment!

Thank you very much for agreeing to accompany, Fred!

The Old Lady

Sep 9 2009, 10:07 PM

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 9 2009, 03:47 PM)

Everybody who has sent me a form should now have had an acknowledgement of receipt, unless it's in the post and will come tomorrow.

If anybody hasn't yet sent their form off, I could really do with it this week - I need to pay the cheques in, wait for them to clear because I don't keep funds in that charity account, and then send a cheque off to the National Trust before the event takes place. Many thanks

Oh Heavens. I will try to do this tomorrow.

gedall40

Sep 10 2009, 09:40 PM

Mine is truly in the post today

.

skylark

Sep 10 2009, 10:20 PM

QUOTE(gedall40 @ Sep 10 2009, 10:40 PM)

Mine is truly in the post today

.

Thank you! (I was beginning to think you were being naughty again

)

gedall40

Sep 11 2009, 10:55 AM

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 10 2009, 11:20 PM)

Thank you! (I was beginning to think you were being naughty again

)

Who

? Moi?

skylark

Sep 11 2009, 11:35 AM

QUOTE(gedall40 @ Sep 11 2009, 11:55 AM)

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 10 2009, 11:20 PM)

Thank you! (I was beginning to think you were being naughty again

)

Who

? Moi?

Just received it thank you - very efficient

If anyone else has had a form and hasn't sent it back/had an acknowledgement yet, could you please let me know whether you've sent it, are sending it, or can't come after all. Many thanks

Frederic Chopin

Sep 12 2009, 11:27 AM

I have just decided that one of the pieces I will be playing at Dyrham Park will be......

...Skylark!

Click here for a YouTube recording of Skylark!

skylark

Sep 13 2009, 07:12 AM

Wonderful Fred! I've never heard it played live and I'll really look forward to that

Thank you, thank you!

gedall40

Sep 13 2009, 09:38 AM

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 13 2009, 08:12 AM)

Wonderful Fred! I've never heard it played live and I'll really look forward to that

Thank you, thank you!

And I am really looking forward to Fred playing it - and Skylark singing her own signature tune

.

Many years ago, the sheet music for this popped up in a pile that someone had given to me, and it is a delight to play.

skylark

Sep 13 2009, 11:12 AM

QUOTE(gedall40 @ Sep 13 2009, 10:38 AM)

and Skylark singing her own signature tune

.

Only if we want to get thrown out!

Miss Ross

Sep 13 2009, 12:44 PM

I've just replied to your email skylark.

I'm sorry to say that we won't be able to make it after all - mainly because of being pooooor students and train tickets being extortionate already, but also because I once again found myself in hospital this week and will be undergoing some more investigations soon.

Sorry to mess you around, and I hope you all have a good time.

gedall40

Sep 13 2009, 02:32 PM

I am really sorry to read this, Miss Ross, as I was looking forward to meeting up again with you and mwl1 for some more fun. I do hope there is nothing serious, and that all will be well soon.

Take care. x

Amber

Sep 13 2009, 05:56 PM

QUOTE(Miss Ross @ Sep 13 2009, 01:44 PM)

I've just replied to your email skylark.

I'm sorry to say that we won't be able to make it after all - mainly because of being pooooor students and train tickets being extortionate already, but also because I once again found myself in hospital this week and will be undergoing some more investigations soon.

Sorry to mess you around, and I hope you all have a good time.

Take care of yourself sweetie, and I hope you will be feeling better soon and the tests come back ok.

Ambs xx

Frederic Chopin

Sep 14 2009, 01:48 PM

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 13 2009, 12:12 PM)

QUOTE(gedall40 @ Sep 13 2009, 10:38 AM)

and Skylark singing her own signature tune

.

Only if we want to get thrown out!

QUOTE(Miss Ross @ Sep 13 2009, 01:44 PM)

I'm sorry to say that we won't be able to make it after all - mainly because of being pooooor students and train tickets being extortionate already, but also because I once again found myself in hospital this week and will be undergoing some more investigations soon.

Sorry to mess you around, and I hope you all have a good time.

Sorry to hear about this and hope you are recovering well - was hoping to meet you there.

DaisyChain

Sep 14 2009, 02:48 PM

QUOTE(Miss Ross @ Sep 13 2009, 01:44 PM)

I've just replied to your email skylark.

I'm sorry to say that we won't be able to make it after all - mainly because of being pooooor students and train tickets being extortionate already, but also because I once again found myself in hospital this week and will be undergoing some more investigations soon.

Sorry to mess you around, and I hope you all have a good time.

I'm sorry to hear this too. I hope all will be well with you soon. xxx

*Your music is in the post, Fred!

*

Frederic Chopin

Sep 14 2009, 03:09 PM

QUOTE(DaisyChain @ Sep 14 2009, 03:48 PM)

*Your music is in the post, Fred!

*

skylark

Sep 14 2009, 09:05 PM

QUOTE(Miss Ross @ Sep 13 2009, 01:44 PM)

I've just replied to your email skylark.

I'm sorry to say that we won't be able to make it after all - mainly because of being pooooor students and train tickets being extortionate already, but also because I once again found myself in hospital this week and will be undergoing some more investigations soon.

Sorry to mess you around, and I hope you all have a good time.

Please don't worry about it - there'll probably be a similar event more locally next year, and there's the concert in the meantime. Hope the investigations go OK

JohnBH

Sep 14 2009, 09:33 PM

Yes, apologies too, Skylark. I had hoped to go ahead with those duets but unfortunately it won't be possible.

skylark

Sep 14 2009, 10:05 PM

So how's everybody doing with their practice/rehearsal

Coffee in the cottage early/mid morning and rehearsal on my digital piano if anybody wants to rehearse accompaniments

gedall40

Sep 15 2009, 10:09 AM

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 14 2009, 11:05 PM)

So how's everybody doing with their practice/rehearsal

Coffee in the cottage early/mid morning and rehearsal on my digital piano if anybody wants to rehearse accompaniments

Oh the usual - panicking as the day approaches! What else

. Still, the coffee in the cottage sounds good to me. I am playing piano just for Bev this time, so as we have organised a couple of Playdays of our own, we may not need to book the digital piano, thank you. But it might be good if Fred and I could have a short spell, as we have never played together before.

Incidentally, I was telling my brother about this event and he asked me how much the National Trust were paying us to play. He nearly choked on his coffee when I said that we were paying to go in

. But when I asked him if he would want to pay to hear me play he said he quite understood - I thought that was rather rude of him

.

PianissiMole

Sep 15 2009, 10:35 AM

I'm into semi-organised panicking.

*goes off to practice again*

skylark

Sep 15 2009, 10:54 AM

QUOTE(gedall40 @ Sep 15 2009, 11:09 AM)

Oh the usual - panicking as the day approaches! What else

. Still, the coffee in the cottage sounds good to me.

It might be a good idea if your travelling companion texts us before you arrive to make sure we're not still in our pijjies

QUOTE(gedall40 @ Sep 15 2009, 11:09 AM)

Incidentally, I was telling my brother about this event and he asked me how much the National Trust were paying us to play. He nearly choked on his coffee when I said that we were paying to go in

. But when I asked him if he would want to pay to hear me play he said he quite understood - I thought that was rather rude of him

.

You never know, we might get a booking while we're down there

QUOTE(PianissiMole @ Sep 15 2009, 11:35 AM)

I'm into semi-organised panicking.

I'm sure you'll have it fully organised by the time the day comes

gedall40

Sep 15 2009, 11:13 AM

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 15 2009, 11:54 AM)

It might be a good idea if your travelling companion texts us before you arrive to make sure we're not still in our pijjies

Wahay! Skylark in PJs

. Can I come really early?

[Sorry I am being naughty again ]The current plan is that this time I will be the travelling companion

. But I have your number in my phone......

DaisyChain

Sep 15 2009, 11:32 AM

I can see this cottage being turned into a den of iniquity!

Am panicking about Che Faro..too late now though as it makes it debut in Chester this Saturday!

The other piece should be ok by Dyrham.

Looking forward to meeting you, Moley!

And Fred of course...and anyone else "new" to me.

*Shut up DC...go and practice...*

skylark

Sep 15 2009, 11:40 AM

QUOTE(DaisyChain @ Sep 15 2009, 12:32 PM)

I can see this cottage being turned into a den of iniquity!

Is that wishful thinking luvvy

DaisyChain

Sep 15 2009, 11:42 AM

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 15 2009, 12:40 PM)

QUOTE(DaisyChain @ Sep 15 2009, 12:32 PM)

I can see this cottage being turned into a den of iniquity!

Is that wishful thinking luvvy

...no...of course not...sort of...maybe..yes!

skylark

Sep 15 2009, 11:43 AM

QUOTE(DaisyChain @ Sep 15 2009, 12:42 PM)

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 15 2009, 12:40 PM)

QUOTE(DaisyChain @ Sep 15 2009, 12:32 PM)

I can see this cottage being turned into a den of iniquity!

Is that wishful thinking luvvy

...no...of course not...sort of...maybe..yes!

Perhaps we'd better warn St George then

DaisyChain

Sep 15 2009, 11:50 AM

QUOTE(skylark @ Sep 15 2009, 12:43 PM)

Perhaps we'd better warn St George then

Warn him to stay away? Or to get there early?

gedall40

Sep 15 2009, 12:04 PM

[Sigh] it's too late to change my travelling arrangements

.

Anyway, I would have to re-submit my application to be away at the weekend, and I don't think Mrs G would approve it with any new wording that included "den of iniquity"....