Press Release: Music Summer Schools and concerts at West Dean College

West Dean College hosts two Music Summer Schools and concerts each year. The College offers a sensational backdrop in which to study. The historic Grade II* Listed building, located within the heart of the South Downs near Chichester, offers a sensational backdrop in which to study. Students can develop their musical expertise and share ideas with other musicians in beautiful rooms with excellent acoustics, and enjoy giving and listening to performances. They also have access to the 90 acres of award-winning gardens and arboretum during their free time, together with an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.

The inspirational Chilingirian Quartet Summer School (17 - 23 July) offers the chance for amateur, young professionals or student quartets and ensembles, to work closely with this celebrated string quartet, featuring Levon Chilingirian, Ronald Birks, Susie Mészáros and Stephen Orton. The inspirational week-long Summer School allows plenty of opportunities for students to enhance a repertoire of their own with intensive, yet informal, daily coaching from the professionals. Each group is given a practice room for the week. Masterclasses, informal showcase concerts and two public concerts by the Chilingirian Quartet are also included in the course.

Bursaries are available to help music students and young professional players at the beginning of their careers. Funding has been provided by several donors and a group of West Dean Friends.

Chilingirian Quartet Summer School (17 - 23 July) Intermediate/Advanced Six Days £663 including all dinners. Accommodation is available at the College from £270.

CHILINGIRIAN SUMMER SCHOOL 2016 CONCERTS

The Old Library, West Dean College

The Chilingirian Quartet in Concert Haydn Op 54 No 2, Britten No 3 Beethoven Op18 No 1, Tuesday 19 July 8pm £15.

Public Masterclass with the Chilingirian Quartet Wednesday, 20 July, 2pm £8 (including interval tea).

The Chilingirian Quartet in Concert Beethoven Op 18 No 5, Edgar Bainton quartet, Mozart, Thursday, 21 July, 8pm £15.

Students' 'Showcase' Concert Friday, 22 July, 8pm £6.

Students' Informal Concert Saturday, 23 July, 2pm £6 (including tea).

Book concert tickets online or telephone +44 (0)1243 818300.

International Classical Guitar Festival and Summer School
2016 marks 25 years of the International Classical Guitar Festival and Summer School with concerts (20 - 24 August). This annual event offers superb learning and performance opportunities for classical guitarists of all levels of ability with repertoire, technique classes and workshops covering a variety of topics. In addition, guitarists receive two individual lessons and attend public recitals and masterclasses given by distinguished visiting artists and tutors, including festival director Andrew Gough, Benjamin Verdery, Berta Rojas, Irinia Kulikova, Kai Nieminen, Manus Noble, Ray Burley, Rebecca Baulch, Sean Shibe and the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet.

Bursaries are available for 16 - 24 year old students to help with fees. Please contact the

Bookings Office for further details. See the full course outline

Classical Guitar Festival Concerts and Public Events

Concert by Benjamin Verdery Saturday 20 August 8pm £15.

Guitar Open Day including exhibitions of music and instruments, a guitar makers' showcase, masterclass with Benjamin Verdery and recital by Sean Shibe Sunday 21 August 6pm £12.

Recital by Sean Shibe Sunday 21 August 6pm £5.

Concert by Berta Rojas Monday 22 August 8pm £12.

Concert by Irina Kulikova Tuesday 23 August 8pm £12.

Concert by the Aquarelle Guitar Quartet Wednesday 24 August 8pm £12.

To find out more and browse the digital brochure

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Notes to editors

• West Dean College is part of The Edward James Foundation which also comprises West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio. Charity No. 1126084.
• West Dean College is internationally renowned for teaching in Conservation of historic objects and Creative Arts. To find out more about how to support the next generation of artists, makers and conservation experts contact the Development Team on +44 (0)1243 818285.
• All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.
• Any journalist interested in attending a short course or an event for news or review purposes should contact the Media Relations Team.
• West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.