2013 news letter - Hurstwood Farm Pianos

Hurstwood Farm
Newsletter
Spring 2013
We hope all our members have recovered from the ravages of the
awful winter weather. It’s some time since we published our last
Newsletter and much as happened in the intervening period.
Perhaps of most interest to our Patrons, we are delighted to
announce that we will be staging two concerts this year.
In June we welcome back the internationally renowned pianist,
Peter Katin, who is a favourite of our Music Club Patrons.
Paul Driver said of him "His playing is magisterial: one couldn't ask
for more insight, intensity, virtuosity”.
In the afternoon the young Italian pianist Eugenio Catone will play
works by Schumann, Mozart and Chopin. Eugenio has received
awards in many national and international competitions, including
first prize in the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition
2012.
In July we have in the evening, Gordon Fergus-Thompson' who’s
prolific concert career has generated innumerable accolades “...
performances comparable with the best that history has to offer.”
And in the afternoon, we welcome the exciting Japanese pianist,
Aisa Ijiri. Aisa has established herself as one of the finest
Japanese pianists of her generation, and has been described as
"An exceptionally creative artist, blessed with a vivid performance
temperament...Aisa Ijiri's virtuoso technique is harnessed to
consummate artistry".
Piano News
The first stage prototype of the World's first Carbon Fibre Piano
(designed and built at Hurstwood Farm) was launched at
Cremona Pianofiere, the largest Piano Fair in Europe, in
September 2012. We took a team of 5 people (Richard Dain, and
the Sapsford clan, Geoffrey, Catherine, Polly and Andrew) and
shared a stand with Steingraeber. The piano received much
interest and Richard gave a lecture on Carbon Fibre in Pianos.
Work continues on the prototype carbon fibre piano, but it is not
quite concert-ready yet!
Richard has also started to build his own range of pianos - The
Phoenix Piano - which we also showed at Cremona. They
incorporate a carbon fibre soundboard and action in combination
with the Phoenix bridge agraffe system. So far sixteen of these
unique pianos have been built.
Cobnuts and ‘Hairy Bikers’
The cobnut harvest was very disappointing last year and we were
unable to produce our normal amount of Cobnut Oil and Roasted
Cobnut Oil. However, in order to be able to continue supply of
these products, Richard imported hazelnuts, so we can now offer
Hazelnut Oil and Roasted Hazelnut Oil. These will be available for
tasting and purchase at the concerts.
We were visited by a
camera team to film a
cooking demonstration
(using our Cobnut Oil) in the
orchards, for the 'Hairy
Bikers' - show to be
broadcast on April 22nd.
We used a local chef, Steve
Weaver, who cooked using
locally sourced products
(rabbit, followed by apple
and cobnut fritters).
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we have to report that Hazel Faux died suddenly and unexpectedly last October, a few weeks after her 80th
birthday - leaving the families of her two brothers to grieve the loss of a wonderful sister and aunt. She will be remembered for her warm
and friendly greetings as she checked tickets as patrons entered the Concert Barn Hurstwood Farm; she was also responsible for the
flower arrangements which stood beside the piano. These beautiful pieces were created on the day of each concert by Hazel, who was
an enthusiastic gardener and who used to supply the flowers from her own and her friends' gardens. Each arrangement was carefully
and skilfully designed, according to the season. She also decorated the Concert Barn and the restaurant tables.
Hazel was born and brought up in Tonbridge, Kent, and educated at the Girl's County School, where she was Head Girl. She decided
against reading mathematics at University, but instead became Personal Assistant to Lord Townsend of Anglia Television, where she
became an invaluable asset both to the business and to the family.
The Faux and the Dain families knew each other at Tonbridge from Nursery-school days onwards, and developed musical interests
together at Tonbridge School music societies. At Hurstwood Farm we shall miss her friendship, her cheerful presence, her artistic skill
and the quiet dependable help she was always ready to give in the preparation and running of the Concerts.
Our sincere condolences go to their families.
We have another sad event to report in the passing of Richard’s loyal companion, Rex. The good news is that he now has a Great Dane
called Sally to keep him company.
Recital Calendar - 2013
nd
Saturday 22 June
5.30pm
Schumann
Mozart
Chopin
8.00pm
Schumann
Eugenio Catone
Faschingsschwank aus Wien
Rondo K511
Sonata in B flat minor Op. 35.
Peter Katin
Arabeske Op.18.
Kinderzenen Op.15.
Interval
Debussy
Two Arabesques
Suite Bergamasque
Chopin
Barcarolle, Op..60.
Saturday 20th July
5.30pm
Aisa Ijiri
Bach/Liszt
Liszt
Prelude and Fugue in A minor BWV.543
Années de pèlerinage - Italie
1.
Sonetto 47 del Petrarca
2.
Sonetto 104 del Petrarca
3.
Sonetto 123 del Petrarca
Prokofiev
4 Pieces from “Romeo and Juliet” Op.75
The Young Juliet
Montagues and Capulets
Mercutio
Romeo bids farewell to Juliet
Fantasia Baetica
De Falla
8.00pm
Gordon Fergus Thompson
Chopin
Two Nocturnes Op.55.
No.1 in F minor
No.2 in E flat
Schumann
Fantasie Op.17.
(1)
Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich
vorzutragen
(2)
Massig. Durchaus energisch
(3)
Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten
Debussy
Estampes
(1)
(2)
(3)
Interval
Pagodes
La Soiree dans Grenade
Jardins sous la pluie
Faure
Ballade Op.19
Liszt
Fantasy and Fugue on the name B.A.C.H.
Booking
The fee for each concert date is £25 which covers
entrance to both the 5.30pm concer t and the 8pm
concert. We will not be issuing tickets this year but you
will receive acknowledgement of your concert
reservation. For bookings, please call Catherine on
07828775861. Cheques should be made payable to
'Hurstwood Farm Music Studios'.
Dinner will be offered between the two recitals,
provided, as before, by Albion Catering. The cost of
dinner is £22 per head for two courses. This must be
booked in advance as numbers are limited. Cheques
for dinner should be made payable to 'Albion Catering'.
You are also welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the
orchards, if you prefer. Cover will be provided in
case of inclement weather. We do not offer a bar
service so please bring your own drinks. Those who
reserve dinner in the restaurant will receive a
complimentary glass of wine or juice, with their meal.
Coffee and biscuits will be available for all guests,
in the interval of the 8pm concert.
Richard with the newest member of the
Hurstwood Farm Team, Sally, the Great Dane.
She will NOT be performing during the concerts!