Booking Form – A Carolan Special

(click for map of Kenwood Hall)

Simon writes…

The music of the Irish harper and composer Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) has featured from time to time in my mandolin workshops over the years. This is a chance for mandolinists – or players of other mandolin family instruments – to get more intimately acquainted with his music over the course of a weekend.

Carolan’s tunes for the most part follow the format of a typical traditional jig, reel or march: two sections, each usually repeated. Stylistically, they differ a little from a typical trad tune because he was also influenced by the classical music of his day, in particular the Italian composers Corelli and Geminiani.

Music will be sent out in advance in both standard notation and tablature. There’ll be duets, trios and quartets along with the odd solo for the brave to have a go at. For the most part, the harmony lines will be simpler than the melody, so less experienced players should still be able to make a welcome contribution to the sound.

Here’s a flavour of two of the arrangements:

The emphasis of the weekend will be very much on ensemble playing, but of course I’ll be happy to talk technique whenever necessary.

How good do I have to be?
Ideally you’ll be able to get from start to finish of a fairly simple tune without stalling, and you’ll be able to read music or tablature to a reasonable standard (if you’re an experienced player but have only ever played by ear, tablature is very easy to learn). If you’re a guitarist or violinist trying a mandolin for the first time, you should be OK, but this is not going to be suitable for a complete beginner.

Costings (prices include tuition and full board from evening meal on 14th to lunch on 16th)
£480 Single participant.
£582 One participant room sharing with a non-participating spouse or partner.
£782 Two participants sharing a room.

We ask for a non-refundable deposit of £240 per person to secure your hotel room and place, with the outstanding balance payable one month ahead of the event.

What’s included in the price?

All mandolin sessions, accommodation, breakfasts, lunches, evening meals (three courses) and teas and coffees.