The folk music inheritance has inspired composers across many national traditions, sometimes in arrangements designed to preserve music that might have been lost in the new industrial age, and sometimes as the basis for major works in the concert hall. We will explore aspects of this rich legacy, with illustrations on excellent hi-fi equipment.

Originally a coaching inn, Highgate House is a country house hotel set amongst rolling countryside in the picturesque Northamptonshire village of Creaton, just seven miles from

Northampton town centre.

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.

Gwyn Parry-Jones studied with David Wynne and Alun Hoddinott, and graduated from Manchester University and the Royal Northern College of Music. He played for some years with the Halle and BBC Philharmonic Orchestras, and for many years lectured at Reading University, leaving recently to concentrate on his musical interests, principally conducting, performing and lecturing.

Course members will arrive on Tuesday at 5pm and depart on Thursday afternoon. Arts in Residence and Highgate House offer an excellent cuisine including dinners with wine.