The Buzz

June 2021

A message from Peter

For Joy that We Are Here is the title of Mary Ibberson’s informative little book on the establishment of the Rural Music Schools, the RMS Association and the beginnings of Benslow Music (Bedford Square Press 1977).

And it is very definitely For Joy That We Have Re-opened to residential activity at last. What a relief! Monday 17 May was indeed a joyous day as we welcomed participants on two courses. They and others returning to Benslow Music after so long, those new to us too, over the last few weeks have been absolutely thrilled to be back and to be making music together again, just as colleagues and I have been delighted to welcome folk here.

No less pleased have been our wonderful tutors who, with others, have also given some superb concerts recently, now with live audience present again. The special nature of live performance is something to which the outstanding pianist Florian Mitrea drew attention so eloquently during his recitals here for the Hertfordshire Festival of Music (still available in our Livestream Library – do please check out https://benslowmusic.org/index.asp?PageID=3017 for the great range of events still available).

I’m very pleased that Benslow Music’s presence in Hitchin and the locality is prominent in the 2021 Hitchin Festival which lasts throughout July and I commend those performances and all other upcoming events here to your attention as Hitchin emerges, like all of us, from lockdown.

Thinking of Hitchin, the town has launched new ‘H-town Business Awards’. I hope you may feel you can show your support by nominating Benslow Music in the Best Overall Business Category. ‘Who is the first among equals? Who do you think has really stood out? Hitchin is more than just the Town Centre. This special award is open to ALL Hitchin businesses in Hitchin including the Hitchin BID area.’ You might mention some of these: our innovative online activity (courses and livestreaming) attracting new audiences from all over UK/the world; careful COVID-secure arrangements last autumn and now; successful fundraising; attracting significant footfall to Hitchin from near and far; continued concert activity throughout the pandemic (including outdoor, online and events for live (distanced) audiences – using local and (inter-)national forces; efforts towards mental health and well-being; educational value through courses for all and the renowned Instrument Loan Scheme (in it’s exciting new building) helping young musicians (the latter active throughout the pandemic) – you’ll think of other ways too no doubt that we have Kept Music Alive (enough capitals and clichés already!). Vote for us at https://www.hitchinherts.com/htownawards

It’s been wonderful to have guests, friends, here after so long away. I am deeply grateful to everyone for being here so far, and for booking some of the terrific courses we have on offer – there are spaces available on courses moving forward so do please check out the website and sign up! Much gratitude too to our amazing staff for the enormous amount of preparatory work they’ve put in and the meticulous organisation needed to keep guests as safe as possible.

Above all, thanks to you all for enabling Benslow Music’s survival thus far. As I write we await news from government on further easing of restrictions (or not). While we hope this won’t seriously affect our planned activity it looks as if we’ll have to play things by ear on a daily/weekly basis for a while yet. We’ll do our best to let you know if there are any changes to what you may be expecting – if you don’t hear from us existing plans should stand!

Boliers: Visitors during later June and July should note that we are replacing the boilers serving (most of) the main house, Pamela Maud block and Morrison Hall. This is a major undertaking, arguably long overdue, but should lead to much more reliable heating and hot water supplies, at last – and lower maintenance bills. We anticipate minimal disruption to regular activities.

Peter Hewitt
Chief Executive

Welcome back!

“After enjoying 5-6 courses at Benslow Music and having experienced other venues - Benslow Music is my favourite.”

Find out more about our COVID-secure venue and measures »

Watch a concert...

You can now book in-person and virtual tickets to our fantastic concert series!

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Book a course...

Whether your musical taste is for classical, jazz, popular, or folk, we have a day, residential or online music course for you!

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Listen to a talk...

Join us on 30 June for our next online Opera Insights talk with singer Helen Astrid.

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We always take delight in our joint project with Everyone Matters “Performing for Hitchin” where amateur and professional musicians rehearse together in the cheerful ambience of Benslow Music before offering concerts to care homes around the district.

After a spate of lockdown cancellations violinist Martin Smith and clarinettist Margaret Archibald take special pleasure in presenting a dance programme at 13.00 BST on 18 June that includes jigs, reels and hornpipes from the British Isles, sevdah from Bosnia, genteel minuets from Vienna and wild tango from Argentina.

“Dancing round the world” live-stream is part of Benslow Music’s celebration of Make Music Day 2021 (21 June) and the dance theme was inspired by a wheelchair dance event for Leonard Cheshire in Hitchin that sadly had to be postponed.

In place of live concert visits Benslow Music is also making a series of streamed concerts freely available to care homes as part of a special Make Music Day festival in June.

Dr Christopher Roberts
Head of Music

Find Out More

2021 Residential Courses - Booking Dates

July to September 2021 Courses
Booking for Members and Non-Members is currently open

October to December 2021 Courses
Booking for Members is currently open
Online and Non-Member bookings will open at 9am on Friday 18 June 2021

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The Benslow Music Forum

Chaired by Lucinda Mackworth-Young, pianist, psychologist, and renowned International Director of The Piano Teachers’ Course UK, this lunchtime hour is for all musicians, performers, teachers and amateurs to gather together to share expertise and solve problems.

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Add to your music library...

Browse our latest selection of music and books for sale.

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Resources

Browse our hub of educational materials and resources to purchase, including webinars by Lucinda Mackworth-Young and Alison Crum.

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Events

From lunchtime talks, afternoon tea, escape room games to workshops, we have something for you...

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