3 minute read
The Grange Festival
A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 21 JUNE 2023
The Grange Festival is held every summer in the heart of Hampshire at one of the country’s most magnificent neoclassical houses, Grange Park. Located on the Baring family’s estate not far from Winchester, it is arguably one of the most beautiful of all country house settings. Today, the Grange Festival is in the hands of the countertenor, Michael Chance, who took on the role of Artistic Director in 2017.
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the itinerary
We will spend time exploring the ancient city of Winchester, the original capital of England, including highlights such as the historic Winchester College, which dates from 1382. We go to the College and see the Chamber Court, the Scholars’ Dining Room, and the Gothic Chapel. We shall also visit The Great Hall, all that remains of Winchester Castle, and home to what is considered by many to be King Arthur’s Round Table. The highlight of any visit to the city is the magnificent mediaeval Cathedral where Queen Mary I married King Philip II on 25 July 1554. We will visit Exbury Gardens, one of the finest woodland gardens in Europe. The estate which overlooks the Beaulieu River was purchased by Lionel de Rothschild in 1919. The garden provides yearround interest with its herbaceous and wildflower plantings and choice shrubs. The Centenary and the Sundial Gardens will be at their best at the time of our visit and a walk along the river is always a summer highlight. We stay in the 3* Winchester Royal Hotel in the city centre – one dinner will be served at the hotel, and two at Grange Park.
TOUR INFORMATION
DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES
DATE 21 June PRICE £1,948
NO SINGLE SUPP.
Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.
WHAT WE INCLUDE
• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Three dinners • Tickets for performances as described • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities • Services of the Kirker Tour Leader
MUSIC PROGRAMME
21 June: Hospital of St Cross This evening we will visit the Norman chapel at the Hospital of St Cross in Winchester, for a Kirker concert given by the Alkyona Quartet, current holders of the Royal College of Music String Quartet Fellowship. They are mentored by our own Direct of Music, Simon Rowland-Jones and will perform works by Haydn and Beethoven. 23 June: The Grange Festival The Queen of Spades by Tchaikovsky First performed at the Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg on 29 March 1890. Two singers from Ukraine, including the First Prize Winner of the 2019 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, Andrei Kymach and one of the world’s greatest singing actresses, Dame Josephine Barstow, star in Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. Conductor: Paul Daniel Herman: Eduard Martynyuk Lisa: Anush Hovhannisyan Tomsky: Andrei Kymach The Countess: Dame Josephine Barstow Polina: Claire Barnett-Jones 24 June: The Grange Festival Così fan tutte by Mozart First performed at the Burgtheater, Vienna on 26 January 1790. Conductor: Kirill Karabits Fiordiligi: Samantha Clarke Dorabella: Kitty Whateley Gugliemo: Nicholas Lester Ferrando: Alessandro Fisher Despina: Carolina Lippo Don Alfonso: Christian Senn The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra plays at all performances at The Grange Festival
concert at the hospital of st cross and almshouse of noble poverty
Every summer, Kirker organises a concert at the Hospital of St Cross, and this summer we shall enjoy a concert of chamber music on our first evening. The Order of St Cross was founded by Henry Blois, the grandson of William the Conqueror, between 1132 and 1136 making it the oldest charitable foundation in the country. The order of Noble Poverty was formed later. Today, 25 Brothers of the two orders live in the almshouses that are grouped around the lawn in the shadow of the church which was once part of the hospital. The elegance of the architecture, the pastoral, the peaceful setting, and the adjoining garden create a deeply spiritual atmosphere overlooking the water meadows stretching out to Winchester. Many of the Brothers, wearing their Orders’ black or red robes, will join the audience at the concert and for the pre-concert and interval drinks so you will be able to find out about life at St Cross from the residents. Canapés will be served at the concert and a light supper will be provided back at the hotel afterwards.
