The weekend will explore a wide variety of music, all of it written by composers who for various reasons were living far from their homelands. Among the composers to be featured are Handel, Stravinsky, Korngold, Rachmaninov, Chopin and Bartók.

Sheafhayne Manor is a Grade II listed Elizabethan manor house, commanding wonderful views across the East Devon countryside. Originally a medieval hall, it later became the hunting lodge of Sir Francis Drake. The house has recently been extensively and lovingly refurbished, so that modern facilities (including mostly en suite accommodation) have been combined with the original features. The Tudor panelling, flagstones, mullioned windows, old oak floorboards and doors remain in fine condition, and give the house a special atmosphere.

We will meet on Friday at 5pm and depart on Sunday afternoon. Arts in Residence offers an excellent cuisine including dinners with wine and a traditional Sunday lunch.

Terry Barfoot writes widely on music for Britain’s leading journals, orchestras, festivals and record companies. He lectures at Oxford University and venues throughout the country, is Publications Consultant to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Director of Arts in Residence.

Ian Lowes studied at Durham University and at the Janáček Academy in the Czech Republic. For many years he was a professional horn player, before becoming head of Composition and Academic Music at Bryanston School. He is an active composer and conductor, and is an international examiner for the Associated Board.