Hello passionate cellists!
I hope you are having some cello time this summer and maybe even taking part in a course.
I have just spent six days with a wonderful group of players at the annual Unsung Heroes Summer School which was described by one student as transformative, which is so good to hear as I know from my own experience, that this is what we all want. To be presented with new ideas, technical skills, musical ideas and personal thoughts to brood on and absorb, to arrive in a new place, is what these moments bring us.
Next year will be the 20th anniversary of the Unsung Heroes Summer School and plans are now underway for a celebratory course with some new repertoire and a group of ideas to expand on. My designer Suzie Johanson is already at work and, as I clarify the repertoire, I hope to let you have news. It will run from July 24th–29th at the lovely, converted church known as All Saints Centre, here in Lewes, East Sussex which feels like the spiritual home of cellocourses.com
Next week is Through Coloured Glass, the new course for advanced and professional players that started in 2022 when a group of cellists meet from far and wide, having practised and rehearsed their music at home in readiness for some exciting developmental work together that culminates in a magical public performance in a stunning church of the meditation that is played in a continuous cycle with a subtle soundscape that enhances this universal story.
In September normal service resumes and you will see dates for my online courses: the Online Timeline Series, All About My Bow and Your Tool Kit. Do join us for any or all of these. You always receive detailed notes after each class so that the learning cooks and makes a difference.
On October 6th I am thrilled to be a guest of the fabulous cellist and teacher, Samantha Laverick, together with Harrogate Music School. I will bring an Unsung Heroes workshop for adult players of all levels of experience at the Church Hall of St Wilfred’s Church HG1 2EY. Do come and join us all if you are near. Registration is at 12.30 pm for a start at 1 pm till 4.45 pm. Entries close on September 27th and the fee is £40.
I was lucky enough to study with Christopher Bunting who would have been 100 years old on August 8th. There has been a wonderful article about him and his central place in the cello world, written by his daughter, Philippa. You can read this in The Strad Magazine. I have written about the experience too and enclose it here: Christopher Bunting Remembered. If you don’t know his books, do get hold of them as they will stand you in good stead.
If you are looking for new ensemble music, duos, trios, or solo cello music, do have a look at the ever-growing Vaulted Sky Music site that is the teeny but lovely publishing wing of cellocourses.com There is a lot of treasure there and more is yet to be planted there.
Do get in touch with any questions and I do hope to see you for what we all love – playing and thinking about the cello.
With warm wishes,
Catherine