Harpsichord weekend masterclass 2017

Master's Lodge, Downing College

Friday 5th – Sunday 7th May 2017

Expressions of interest are invited from members of Cambridge University interested in participating as players, class listeners, and for recital attendance at a harpsichord weekend under the direction of Sophie Yates in the Master's Lodge at Downing College (by invitation of the Master).

Sophie Yates is the musical director and performer, and there will be up to four instruments by Andrew Garlick in the Lodge for use by players, with masterclasses given by Sophie, and a recital by Sophie on the Saturday evening.

The timetable (to be confirmed) includes:

  1. three masterclass sessions on Friday (late afternoon), Saturday/Sunday mornings
  2. a Friday evening lecture by Gerald Gifford, Honorary Keeper of Music at the Fitzwilliam Museum, entitled Harpsichord Music from the Founder's Collection at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge - 'Special Reserve'
  3. a tour led by Gerald of part of the Fitzwilliam Museum collection, and access to the Museum's recently restored Italian instrument from around 1680
  4. a recital by Sophie on Saturday evening.

The theme of the weekend is the music associated with the name Fitzwilliam, particularly that of J. C. Bach, Paradies, Soler, Scarlatti, Duphly, Handel, plus of course the Virginals Book.

Participation is by invitation only, and no charge will be made for members of the University.

Opportunities for Cambridge membership include:

  1. two full playing positions for the weekend
  2. listeners at the lecture and masterclasses (limited number)
  3. attendance at the recital (limited number).

Expressions of interest are invited from players in the Cambridge community who will benefit from the occasion, with preference for students as the active participants.

Responses to be directed to the Master's PA (masters-pa@dow.cam.ac.uk), including a brief statement of who you are, and (if applying to play) a brief summary of your experience. Please include a clear indication of the role for which you are applying, and, if as a listener, which sessions (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, without limit to number). Applicants for the playing positions will need to commit themselves to the entire duration of the programme.

Space being limited, it is unlikely that all respondents can be accommodated, but we will do our best.