3-to-tea returns

With the opera season now over for 2011, and to wide acclaim I might add, Iford returns to being more of a full-time garden, less a mixed-use venue.  But music isn't out altogether; far from it.  It brings us great pleasure to see the return of 3-to-tea, our series of concerts given by amateur and semi-professional musicians on Sunday afternoons in August.

The short recitals are free to garden visitors (just pay the normal garden entry), and provide a fabulous opportunity for anyone from aspiring young artists through to more experienced players to come and enjoy playing in an informal setting to a warm and very receptive audience.

Last Sunday Felicity Courage brought her group, the Courage Choir, to make merry music in the cloister and visitors were treated to a happy hour of song from this talented group of young singers.  We hope that perhaps there are some stars of the future amongst them - remember us when you're famous!

Tim Kliphuis DVD in the can

On Thursday 30th June a lucky audience of 75 was treated to a spectacular concert given by Tim Kliphuis, the world-renowned violin improviser, in the cloister at Iford.  Tim brought his quartet of David Newton (Piano), Roy Percy on Double Bass, and Nigel Clark on Guitar.  Here they are in the garden at Iford:

Audience-members came from all over Europe to lend their support to the project, and support from the Iford Arts stewards was kindly provided to help run the Pimm's bar and to ensure that the evening ran as smoothly as it did.

The event (from picnics to the final chord) was recorded for DVD by a team of two cameramen and a sound man (who had come from Scotland the day before - only the best...); even the weather did its best to help, as the clouds of the afternoon we moved on by the evening sun.

The DVDs are already selling well by subscription, and you can pre-order your copies at heavily reduced prices on the Iford Recordings website:

==>>  Order now -- www.IfordRecordings.co.uk  <<==

Many thanks are due to Robert Coles for the photography; to Mickelburgh Pianos of Bath for the loan of a spectacularly good Kawai piano; to Sound Network UK for sponsoring the DPA microphones; to Iford Arts and their stewards for their assistance in running the event; to the audience for joining in so warmly; and to all others for their help.

A visit from Songways

With increasing popularity (nearly fifty attendees this year), we were delighted to welcome another Songways Singing Day to Iford on 18th May, led by Jane Harris,

Songways runs community choirs in Bath and Trowbridge, promoting singing for the sake of singing within a a wonderful community which brings great joy to the participants.  Beginners are especially welcome, but they have experienced singers involved as well.  To learn more, or to join, visit www.songways.co.uk

We look forward to seeing them next year.