Events Page

Abstract paintings by Arts Lab’s Sara Downham-Lotto made with, for and about music.

Sara says:

It’s important for my art to engage audiences in ways that take them away from the ordinary and every day. Shining a light on hope and difference, simple beauty is one way of making this connection. My approach is direct, honest and accessible. Through a personally evolved technique using collage and recycled paintings and focusing on colour and pattern, I try to create something fun, new and intriguing in each work.

Having had an early training in classical music in the eighties (French horn with Julian Baker of the RCM and Royal Opera) and subsequently studied Fine Art, my practice has always had a deep connection with music. Not only is there this recognition of shared values of the arts in instilling something of the transcendental. But more specifically, and very basically, the language is the same. If my paintings don’t carefully consider nuance, contrast, rhythm and soul, then they have failed, just as listening to a piece of music or watching a film which does too much of one and not enough of the other would be boring.

The paintings in this exhibition all have a direct connection with music: intuitively responding to a Bach fugue or a Mahler symphony; incorporating in text what a musician might have written or said about his practice; sharing some of the formal values of what makes a good piece of work for both eyes and ears. My process is free and intuitive, starting quickly and becoming increasingly slow and deliberate as the piece comes closer to completion. I am entirely at home deconstructing, cutting up, scratching into and painting over in order to reconstruct and build back up to a harmonious whole.

Abstract paintings by Arts Lab’s Sara Downham-Lotto made with, for and about music.

Sara says:

It’s important for my art to engage audiences in ways that take them away from the ordinary and every day. Shining a light on hope and difference, simple beauty is one way of making this connection. My approach is direct, honest and accessible. Through a personally evolved technique using collage and recycled paintings and focusing on colour and pattern, I try to create something fun, new and intriguing in each work.

Having had an early training in classical music in the eighties (French horn with Julian Baker of the RCM and Royal Opera) and subsequently studied Fine Art, my practice has always had a deep connection with music. Not only is there this recognition of shared values of the arts in instilling something of the transcendental. But more specifically, and very basically, the language is the same. If my paintings don’t carefully consider nuance, contrast, rhythm and soul, then they have failed, just as listening to a piece of music or watching a film which does too much of one and not enough of the other would be boring.

The paintings in this exhibition all have a direct connection with music: intuitively responding to a Bach fugue or a Mahler symphony; incorporating in text what a musician might have written or said about his practice; sharing some of the formal values of what makes a good piece of work for both eyes and ears. My process is free and intuitive, starting quickly and becoming increasingly slow and deliberate as the piece comes closer to completion. I am entirely at home deconstructing, cutting up, scratching into and painting over in order to reconstruct and build back up to a harmonious whole.

Everyone’s favourite superhero family is back. This time Helen (Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (Craig T. Nelson) at home with Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life.

This time Helen (Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (Craig T. Nelson) at home with Violet, Dash and baby Jack-Jack to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) must find a way to work together again. But it’s easier said than done – even when they’re all incredible. Brad Bird’s (Iron Giant, Ratatouille) follow-up to The Incredibles is as witty, heartfelt and engrossing as the original.

Multiple times Book Here

Get ready for a dynamic adventure! Exciting outdoor activities for the whole family, open seven days a week throughout school holidays.

Whether you’re 6 or 60, you’ll love Dynamic Adventures’ range of exciting outdoor activities: archery, rock-climbing, abseiling, high ropes tree top adventure, 500 foot long zip line, canoe and kayaking all suitable for beginners and beyond. Leave your children with our experienced team of instructors or join in for some family fun.

Dynamic Adventures is a Community Interest Company based next to the River Dart where we run canoe and kayak sessions from our Adventure Centre. The rest of our activities – the 150m zip line (‘Vertigo’), nautical themed high ropes, archery meadow and abseil platform – are based in the old quarry up behind The Shops at Dartington.

We’re open 7 days a week throughout school holidays for fun activities for all the family.

Activities all around the town for summer

link to the facebook page

We visit Totnes every 3 months (sometimes more often) but patients would need to book into a clinic with us.

The National AAA Screening Programme aims to reduce deaths from abdominal aortic aneurysms (also called ‘AAAs’ or ‘Triple As’) through early detection.

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The condition is most common in men aged 65 and above.

Large aneurysms are rare but can be very serious. As the wall of the aorta stretches it becomes weaker and can rupture. If this happens, the person usually dies.

Why is screening important?

People who have an aneurysm do not generally notice any symptoms. We offer screening so we can find aneurysms early and monitor or treat them. This greatly reduces the chances of the aneurysm causing serious problems.

Who is invited for screening?

Men in the South Devon area are routinely invited for screening during the year that they turn 65.

If you were born before 1^st January 1944 you may not have been offered screening or you might not have been able to attend when first invited.

Every year the craft exhibition showcases the very best in contemporary craftmaking the region has to offer. The summer show is as always a chance for our makers to produce, display and sell exciting new work.

Exhibition closes on Sunday 4 September …the last weekend also hosts the Nourish Festival.

Open daily with free entry. 10am-5.30pm

Featured exhibitors this year are: Jennifer Amon, Blandine Anderson, Paul Anderson, Julie Ayton, Eleanor Bartleman, Fabrizia Bazzo, Beverly Beeland, Caroline Biggins, Sue Brown, Ann Bruford, Bruce Chivers, Liz Clay, Adam Cornish, Sue Deakin, Charlotte Duckworth, Nigel Eveleigh, Jill Fanshawe Kato, Jude Freeman, Lucy Gibson, Terry Gilding, Caroline Hall, Jill Holland, Gillie Hoyte Bryom, Laurel Keeley, James Kendrew, Wai Yuk Kennedy, Susan Kinley, Malcolm Law, Mei Lim, Guy Martin, Debby Mason, Sarah Morris, Zsuzsi Morrison, Janine Partington, Sam Pickard, Veronica Polyblank, Ann Powell, Jane Price, Dave Regester, Anita Reynolds, Rosie Sanders, David Savage, Terry Sawle, Louise Scammell, Will Shakespeare, Helen Snell, Jenny Southam, Lin Sproule, Trudie Timlin Brown, Mike Tingle, Susan Towers, Deborah Treliving, Alison Tutcher, Syann Van Niftrik, Steven Whitford, Isabella Whitworth, Taja

August Intensive: Summer Harvest – a four-day yoga and somatic movement programme led by Sarah Gray

10am – 4pm, daily
Thursday 16 – Sunday 19 August 2018

Booking essential, deposit required by 10th August, please.

❂ Bask in sunlight, bathe in woodland, meditate on the fire

❂ An opportunity for professional development and/or personal growth

❂ Enter into open attention and more conscious experiences of your environment

❂ Sessions in yoga, meditation, improvisation, somatic movement & other experiments in being present

❂ Embodied, creative sessions in the studio and outdoor woodland spaces in the local area

Programme: Spacious schedule with time for long, leisurely lunch breaks to go to the river or walk or sleep; hatha yoga; developing a movement improvisation practice together; explore meditation; guided movement improvisation processes; open-air actions through a somatics approach inspired by Body-Mind Centering®.

Venue: THE SUMMERHOUSE, Cholwell, Dartington – 1 mile from Steiner School. The Summerhouse studio has wooden floors, kitchen, toilet and shower, an outdoor seating area with lovely views on secluded and peaceful, family Biodynamic Farm.

Maximum number of participants: 10

✐ What is your conscious experience of your environment?

In this programme we will explore different ways to approach our environment through movement improvisation, witnessing one another and sharing reflective dialogue. Without judgement and with non-ambition, we will gently attend to experiments in becoming more present. Working in the studio and in the open air, we are drawing from somatics practices of Body-Mind Centering, Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation and Hatha Yoga inspired by Scaravelli unravelling old movement patterns and find more fluid freedom and choice in all we do. Together we can hold space for experiential learning inspiring anatomical and environmental discovery. This is a moderate level programme with some meditation and much movement improvisation. Some experience required.

Sessions in yoga, somatic movement and other experiments in being present, with Sarah Gray of Sound Site Somatics.

In this programme we will explore different ways to approach our environment through movement improvisation, witnessing one another and sharing reflective dialogue. Without judgement and with non-ambition, we will gently attend to experiments in becoming more present.

Working in the studio and in the open air, we are drawing from somatics practices of Body-Mind Centering, Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation and Hatha Yoga inspired by Scaravelli unravelling old movement patterns and find more fluid freedom and choice in all we do. Together we can hold space for experiential learning inspiring anatomical and environmental discovery. This is a moderate level programme with some meditation and movement improvisation. Some experience required.

Teacher: Sarah Gray, BA Hons, BMCA, Certified Scaravelli-inspired Hatha Yoga Teacher

Kathy Alexander leads you through time and place from the ancient origins to the town’s modern culture, taking in the best of its heritage en-route –

Every Thursday from April to the end of October, meet local guide Kathy for an informative and interesting guided walk.
Take a stroll around the historic town centre. From the commercial hub of the Saxon and Medieval Town we visit ancient wells, old marketplaces, Castle and town walls, church and civic precinct and an Elizabethan garden.

Tourist Information Office, Market Square, High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5SG, 10:30am till 12:30pm, Adult £5, Child £3

A 700-year-old story awaits you on our volunteer-led Deer Park tours – learn about the people who lived here, the magnificent landscape, the deer themselves and the abundant wildlife.

The Deer Park is an exciting new development for Dartington. It includes the repair and restoration of Dartington’s historic Deer Park Wall through essential and lasting conservation works, creating new accessible and interpreted walks through the surrounding parkland, and encouraging more people to engage in the landscape including through a new schools’ programme and new volunteering opportunities.

Every Monday, 2-3pm, and Friday, 11am-12 noon. Tours run until mid October.

Meet under the archway entrance to the Courtyard (by Barn Cinema box office entrance)

– Find out more about the Park in our Deer Park microsite

Tours are free – there is no need to book. In order to help keep this place special for everyone, an opportunity will be provided at the end of the tour for attendees to make an entirely optional donation towards the Gardens’ upkeep.

Joan Littlewood’s searing musical satire on the First World War is our tribute to the centenary of the war’s end in 1918.

The original production, at Theatre Stratford East in 1963, starred Barbara Windsor, Murray Melvin, Ann Beach and Victor Spinetti; it changed the course of British theatre, and our view of the Great War, forever.

“Joan Littlewood’s pioneering 1963 musical about the First World War not only changed attitudes towards the conflict, it remade British theatre” – Michael Billington

This theatrical masterpiece examines politics from the ordinary soldier’s point of view, weaving contemporary speeches and songs together. Joan Littlewood embedded songs throughout from the 1917 collection Tommy’s Tunes, which had new lyrics written in the trenches to well-known songs of the era, many from hymns or from West End shows. Performed by gifted young students in 2018, for Dartington’s 70th anniversary, our production will be moving, humorous and compelling.

Read Michael Billington’s full article on the impact of Joan Littlewood and Oh! What a Lovely War here.

Timothy Redmond presents the Advanced Conducting students in a stirring programme, ending with Brahms’ valedictory 4th Symphony.

It includes a piano concerto performance by Beethoven, Liszt or Bartók, performed by the winner of the 2018 Dartington Piano Competition.

Adie Birtwell introduces 2 x 45 minute sets from new artists or established musicians showcasing new material.

Music Launch Pad is every third Thursday of the month at the Bay Horse Totnes. It’s a platform for previewing new music, new line ups and for artists to introduce themselves to Totnes.

As always we’ll have two brilliant acts for you at Music Launch Pad at the Bay. Free entry.

At 8.45 we kick off with Devon based blues roots alternative singer/songwriter Ollie Dixon. Ollie’s original and energetic sound is steeped in historical and contemporary influences that transcend obvious comparisons with pioneers of the roots tradition. Ollie’s songs are powerful, melodic and accomplished – switching from tender and brittle to involved, complex, impassioned and transfixing melodies. Ollie Dixon is a rare star whose humility belies his future brightness.

At 9.45pm we have Kris Howe And The Nows which means Kris Howe, Dave Atkins and Anna Karthäuser who’ve performed together since 2011. The band was formed by Kris to perform his own songs as distinct from the work he was doing as Shane Roe’s songwriting partner in the South Hams Boogie Band which morphed into the Three Radicals.
Kris has been playing and songwriting for 50 years or so and released a few of his well known songs on the CD Sweet Dreams in the Castle of Nowhere, in 2011. He will be bringing some of his latest with mandolin accompaniment and delightful vocal harmonies from Anna and Dave. At one stage the Nows were a seven piece backing band of very accomplished musicians who are still working and playing with various acts around the country. Whatever the format, they are brilliant, don’t miss this!

A hugely pleasurable concert: show-stopping operatic arias by Puccini, Verdi, Mozart and Bizet, performed with panache and style by students on the Advanced Opera course.

This was one of our highlights last year – come and be entertained and enthralled. Best enjoyed sipping a glass of champagne.

Recently moved from the Civic hall, the Indoor market is now at the Masonic hall – just behind the civic hall (next to the car parks)

Guided gentle walks exploring the practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) in the beautiful woods and gardens of Dartington estate with Emma Capper, nature and forest therapy guide.

Shinrin-yoku is a well known preventative health practice in Japan, helping people deal with stress from modern day pace of life. Find out more here.

These walks provide a wonderful opportunity to slow down and through a carefully crafted series of invitations, connect through all your senses to the natural world. Each walk concludes with a special tea ceremony.

Emma has been guiding walks and holding workshops for several years. Find out more about her journey as an artist and guide here.

Sessions in yoga, somatic movement and other experiments in being present, with Sarah Gray of Sound Site Somatics.

In this programme we will explore different ways to approach our environment through movement improvisation, witnessing one another and sharing reflective dialogue. Without judgement and with non-ambition, we will gently attend to experiments in becoming more present.

Working in the studio and in the open air, we are drawing from somatics practices of Body-Mind Centering, Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation and Hatha Yoga inspired by Scaravelli unravelling old movement patterns and find more fluid freedom and choice in all we do. Together we can hold space for experiential learning inspiring anatomical and environmental discovery. This is a moderate level programme with some meditation and movement improvisation. Some experience required.

Teacher: Sarah Gray, BA Hons, BMCA, Certified Scaravelli-inspired Hatha Yoga Teacher

The Dartmouth Inn is excited to be hosting their first ever Sausage & Cider Festival, featuring some great live music from The Ukelective, The Crooked Tempo Samba Band and The Mighty Skankers Ska and Reggae Band.

There’ll be BBQs outside from 6pm and live music all evening both Friday & Saturday.

Friday
The Ukelective from 7pm

Saturday
Crooked Tempo Samba Band from 7pm
The Mighty Skankers Ska & Reggae from 9pm

“There NEVER was a woman like Gilda!”  With that build up Rita Hayworth’s entrance is pure Hollywood starcraft: a perfectly lit close-up as she whips her head into frame, her hair lashing back and revealing her bright face and wide, mischievous grin.

In Buenos Aires, Hayworth is married to a wealthy club owner, George Macready. After what looks to be little more than a coincidental meeting, Macready offers the down-and-out gambler Glenn Ford a job in his club. Ford accepts and by coincidence, it turns out that he and Hayworth were once lovers–a fact Ford conceals from his benefactor.

Doors open for coffee & cake at 10.00am.  Film starts at 11am.  All tickets £5 on the door.

Buy Tickets

Joan Littlewood’s searing musical satire on the First World War is our tribute to the centenary of the war’s end in 1918.

The original production, at Theatre Stratford East in 1963, starred Barbara Windsor, Murray Melvin, Ann Beach and Victor Spinetti; it changed the course of British theatre, and our view of the Great War, forever.

“Joan Littlewood’s pioneering 1963 musical about the First World War not only changed attitudes towards the conflict, it remade British theatre” – Michael Billington

This theatrical masterpiece examines politics from the ordinary soldier’s point of view, weaving contemporary speeches and songs together. Joan Littlewood embedded songs throughout from the 1917 collection Tommy’s Tunes, which had new lyrics written in the trenches to well-known songs of the era, many from hymns or from West End shows. Performed by gifted young students in 2018, for Dartington’s 70th anniversary, our production will be moving, humorous and compelling.

Read Michael Billington’s full article on the impact of Joan Littlewood and Oh! What a Lovely War here.

Haydn’s exhilarating, life-enhancing oratorio tells the story of the creation of the world and mankind, in exultant choruses and sublime arias.

In this specially conceived performance for Dartington, it’s conducted by the superb Jane Glover, and narrated by the celebrated actor Harriet Walter.

With surtitles

Final night party, with a live Salsa band to practise your stylish moves. Bring your dancing shoes!

Sessions in yoga, somatic movement and other experiments in being present, with Sarah Gray of Sound Site Somatics.

In this programme we will explore different ways to approach our environment through movement improvisation, witnessing one another and sharing reflective dialogue. Without judgement and with non-ambition, we will gently attend to experiments in becoming more present.

Working in the studio and in the open air, we are drawing from somatics practices of Body-Mind Centering, Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation and Hatha Yoga inspired by Scaravelli unravelling old movement patterns and find more fluid freedom and choice in all we do. Together we can hold space for experiential learning inspiring anatomical and environmental discovery. This is a moderate level programme with some meditation and movement improvisation. Some experience required.

Teacher: Sarah Gray, BA Hons, BMCA, Certified Scaravelli-inspired Hatha Yoga Teacher

With Sharif Adams. On this one-day taster course you will be introduced to the basic techniques of woodturning and turn one timber ‘blank’ to make a small bowl. As you work on the pole lathe throughout the day, you practice skills to gain confidence working on the project.

Sharif Adams is Dartmoor based green woodworker, pole lathe bowl turner and spoon carver. He specialises in ancient woodturning techniques, some of which date from the Iron Age. Sharif uses a traditional pole lathe powered by a treadle to turn bowls, pots, cups, flasks and boxes, sourcing wood from sustainable Dartmoor woodlands.

Good working practice and essential health and safety requirements are also discussed by the tutor and practiced throughout. The day is designed to give you a taste of the experience of turning a bowl by using a gouge and a lathe. You will get a glimpse into the world of woodturning where pieces of wood can be converted into useful and decorative objects.

Having developed a taste for woodturning, attending a longer follow up course will give further insight to enable you to continue and practice turning on your own.

Please note that woodturning is a physically tiring and challenging activity.

Course details will be sent to you, but for more information, please email crafted@dartington.org

Advance booking only
Course details subject to change
Please note: 25% of your course fee is non-refundable should you need to cancel your place

From the creators of the Academy Award-nominated Ernest & Celestine comes another hilarious, heart-warming tale of animal misfits, destined to become a classic.

The countryside isn’t always as calm and peaceful as you’d think, and the animals on this farm are particularly agitated: A fox who mothers a family of chicks, a rabbit who plays the stork and a duck who wants to be Santa Claus. Directors Benjamin Renner and Patrick Imbert adapt Renner’s own acclaimed graphic novel into a delirious, delightful triptych of stories with a pacing and visual spontaneity that harkens back to classic Looney Tunes shorts.

This slick, funny and stylish all-female heist caper is a spin-off from Steven Soderbergh’s Oceans trilogy, starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling and Rihanna.

F-Rated
The F-Rating is awarded to films directed by a woman and/or written by a woman. Films that
also feature significant women on screen in their own right are Triple F-Rated.

One of the great silent films, Pandora’s Box is renowned for its sensational storyline, sparkling Weimar-period setting and the legendary, lead performance from its iconic star Louise Brooks. Following the rise and fall of Lulu (Brooks), a spirited but innocent showgirl whose sheer sexual magnetism wreaks havoc on the lives of men and women alike, the film was controversial in its day, then underappreciated for decades. Pandora’s Box now stands as an incredibly modern movie, and few stars of any era dazzle as bright as Louise Brooks.

‘Proud and powerful’  The Financial Times

Doors open for fine wines and all manner of drinks at 7pm.  Film starts at 8pm

Buy Tickets

This slick, funny and stylish all-female heist caper is a spin-off from Steven Soderbergh’s Oceans trilogy, starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling and Rihanna.

F-Rated
The F-Rating is awarded to films directed by a woman and/or written by a woman. Films that
also feature significant women on screen in their own right are Triple F-Rated.

he hugely popular Black Voices return! Formed in 1987 by its Music Director Carol Pemberton MBE, Black Voices has gained a reputation as Europe’s finest female a cappella quintet.

For over 25 years the ensemble has captivated global audiences with their singing and performances in the black oral tradition – an early music form that is based on the ancient folklores and story telling of Africa and the Diaspora, which has impacted on classical music, as well as blues and jazz.

Drawing inspiration from that rich tradition, Black Voices has developed a unique repertoire and arrangement of spirituals, traditional African, Caribbean and English folk songs, jazz, gospel, pop and reggae as well as a fusion of contemporary and classical styles that has earned them world wide recognition as a performance and teaching company.

Brave and compelling – The People’s String Foundation fuse passionate theatrics with an urban gypsy sound and spellbinding performances. Led by Ben Sutcliffe (musical director for Rogue, Kneehigh and Bish Bash Bosh theatre companies) who’s virtuoso violin styles have resulted in him to playing with the likes of The Levellers, The Stranglers, The Yardbirds and Gary Stringer from Reef, the collective use the drive of urban/world beats with a distinctive artisan twist. As a band they generally play from the core 3 member up to a 7 piece ensemble but that to expands into a 24 piece orchestra in certain situations such as their infamous concert on the cliffs of Cornwall at the dramatic Minack Theatre.

The People’s String Foundation are fast being recognised as intense musical heavyweights in folk circles and on the festival scene, having featured at on renown stages like Chai Wallahs in front of large numbers people. Live veterans across the UK and mainland Europe they are guaranteed to inspire the audience to be moved emotionally or get up to dance with excitement. After 2 album releases, Making Waves and The Lost Dreams of Gilgamesh they have a large repertoire of originals, whilst both release were acclaimed the second was only promoted within the southwest due to theatre commitments so in 2016 the album is re-issued and promoted across the UK with festival and venue dates planned throughout the year. The People’s String Foundation are on a mission – to make something big and beautiful with nothing but heart and a grass roots spirit brought live and direct to your venue.

Newly restored for its 40th anniversary, Steven Spielberg’s 1977 sci-fi masterpiece can now be seen on the big screen in 4K digital glory.

With Sharif Adams. On this one-day taster course you will be introduced to the basic techniques of woodturning and turn one timber ‘blank’ to make a small bowl. As you work on the pole lathe throughout the day, you practice skills to gain confidence working on the project.

Sharif Adams is Dartmoor based green woodworker, pole lathe bowl turner and spoon carver. He specialises in ancient woodturning techniques, some of which date from the Iron Age. Sharif uses a traditional pole lathe powered by a treadle to turn bowls, pots, cups, flasks and boxes, sourcing wood from sustainable Dartmoor woodlands.

Good working practice and essential health and safety requirements are also discussed by the tutor and practiced throughout. The day is designed to give you a taste of the experience of turning a bowl by using a gouge and a lathe. You will get a glimpse into the world of woodturning where pieces of wood can be converted into useful and decorative objects.

Having developed a taste for woodturning, attending a longer follow up course will give further insight to enable you to continue and practice turning on your own.

Please note that woodturning is a physically tiring and challenging activity.

Course details will be sent to you, but for more information, please email crafted@dartington.org

Advance booking only
Course details subject to change
Please note: 25% of your course fee is non-refundable should you need to cancel your place

Sessions in yoga, somatic movement and other experiments in being present, with Sarah Gray of Sound Site Somatics.

In this programme we will explore different ways to approach our environment through movement improvisation, witnessing one another and sharing reflective dialogue. Without judgement and with non-ambition, we will gently attend to experiments in becoming more present.

Working in the studio and in the open air, we are drawing from somatics practices of Body-Mind Centering, Authentic Movement, Contact Improvisation and Hatha Yoga inspired by Scaravelli unravelling old movement patterns and find more fluid freedom and choice in all we do. Together we can hold space for experiential learning inspiring anatomical and environmental discovery. This is a moderate level programme with some meditation and movement improvisation. Some experience required.

Teacher: Sarah Gray, BA Hons, BMCA, Certified Scaravelli-inspired Hatha Yoga Teacher

Join us for the launch of Permutations, where you can meet the composer and architects behind this fabulous installation, running all week until 25 August.

Permutations is a project exploring the social capacity of music and architecture, a roaming performance artwork. Written by the composer Freya Waley-Cohen, performed and recorded by violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen, in an architectural setting designed by Finbar O’Dempsey and Andrew Skulina, it’s a playfully powerful and intriguing experience. It’s family-friendly too, inviting you to explore a new work of music through walking round six adjustable chambers.

Described as ‘at once intimate and visionary’ by BBC Music Magazine, Freya Waley-Cohen’s music has been performed in the Wigmore Hall, Sage Gateshead, Barbican Centre, The British Film Institute, Aldeburgh, Tanglewood, Santa Fe, Cheltenham, St Magnus and Spitalfields festivals. Winner of a Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Prize in 2017, Freya held an Open Space Residency at Snape Malitngs from 2015-2017, and was 2016 Composition Fellow at Tanglewood Festival; she is Associate Composer of NonClassical, NightMusic at St. David’s Hall. She is a founding member and artistic director of Listenpony, a concert series, commissioning body and record label that programmes classical music, both new and old, alongside a variety of other genres including folk, jazz and pop, in beautiful and unusual venues.

Alfie tells the story of a young womanising man who leads a self-centred life, purely for his own enjoyment, until events force him to question his uncaring behaviour, his loneliness and his priorities.

Blues, fairy tales, salsa, and Eleanor Alberga’s epic and moving It’s Time, based on the great Pushkin poem It’s time, my friend, it’s time: a recital devoted to the power of female imagination.

Sofia Gubaidulina Musical Toys
Errollyn Wallen I wouldn’t normally say
Gabriela Ortiz Suy-muy-key
Stevie Wishart Proem, Prelude and Fugue
Freya Waley-Cohen Southern Leaves
Nina Simone trans. MacGregor Little Girl Blue; Good Bait
Eleanor Alberga It’s Time

Joanna MacGregor’s programme draws on music’s biggest female talents, from Mexico, Belize, Russia, the Deep South and the UK. Stylistically, the music ranges from Gubaidulina’s delicate, folk-inspired pointillism and rip-roaring salsa from Errolyn Wallen and Gabriela Ortiz, to breathtaking, Nancarrow-inspired prelude-writing from Stevie Wishart. Freya Waly-Cohen’s spacious homage to Nina Simone is followed by MacGregor’s own jazz transcriptions. Eleanor Alberga is our resident composer this week, mentoring the Advanced Composers course.

MacGregor’s verve, energy and astounding technique are always at the service of the music and never vice versa. Her ability to inhabit so many sound worlds with the same intensity and commitment is profoundly impressive. – BBC Classical Review

A nutritious, thought-provoking programme of works from this much-loved string quartet, returning to Dartington.

The whole of the second half comprises Beethoven’s Op.132 transcendant, late statement; before the interval, Britten’s Quartet no.2, which was was written to mark Purcell’s 250th anniversary in 1945. (Purcell’s Fantasia Upon One Note, with Britten playing the drone on the viola, was added to this work’s first recording, on a 78.) Eleanor Alberga’s exhilarating, one movement quartet – commissioned by the Smith Quartet in 1994 – opens the concert.

Eleanor Alberga Quartet no.2
Britten Quartet no.2
Beethoven Quartet in A minor Op.132

Joanna Eden will be returning to perform to perform songs from her stunning new album ‘Truth Tree’.  If you like the music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, James Taylor and Kate Bush, ‘Truth Tree’ should appeal to you.

Joanna’s originals will be interspersed with songs by her heroes; from Joni Mitchell to Nina Simone, James Taylor to The Kinks.
In a twenty year career, Joanna has shared stages with The Buena Vista Social Club, Jamie Cullum, The Blockheads and Ronan Keating as well as her superstar student Sam Smith who was her backing singer as a teenager. The Grammy and Oscar winning artist, has cited Joanna simply as “the reason I sing”.

Tickets Here

Up from Cornwall, this quintet focus on jazz of the 50s/60s with emphasis on improv.

This slick, funny and stylish all-female heist caper is a spin-off from Steven Soderbergh’s Oceans trilogy, starring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Mindy Kaling and Rihanna.

F-Rated
The F-Rating is awarded to films directed by a woman and/or written by a woman. Films that
also feature significant women on screen in their own right are Triple F-Rated.

Returning to Dartington after their unforgettable debut last summer, Nathaniel Mann and Robin Alderton’s Dead Rat Orchestra have gained a reputation as one of the most innovative ensembles on the UK music scene.

Raw, elemental and haunting, with a love of idiosyncratic folk traditions and antiquated technology, you’re sure to be amazed, and inspired.

Dead Rat Orchestra are adventurers adrift in a sea of sound and possibility, plucking textures and melodies to craft their idiosyncratic vision of what music and performance can be. Most often they have steered their ship through the idioms of Folk and Improv, to shout, sing and glisten at audiences. Acutely haunting, occasionally brutal and raucously joyous their music always attempts to enchant and entrance, be it emotionally or physically. Formed by Daniel Merrill, Nathaniel Mann and Robin Alderton, necessity has sometimes dictated duo performances of any permutation, always imbued with a sense of the missing member. Instruments are constantly swapped.

They have created music using the architectural surroundings in which they find themselves; coppice woods, abandoned abattoirs, paper mills, churches. Rarely performing in a conventional manner they often step away from the stage, to sing and holler a cappella amongst the audience..

Visiting for the first time is cool trumpeter Byron Wallen. He has collaborated with jazz and pop artists including George Benson, Chaka Khan, Talvin Singh, Courtney Pine, Craig David, Hugh Masekela, Style Council, Jean Toussaint, and Cleveland Watkiss. In 1992, Wallen formed Sound Advice touring the UK and playing in Syria in 1996 and the Czech Republic in 1997. The band also appeared at the North Sea Jazz Festival, gaining critical and audience acclaim. He has also visited East Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, Indonesia and Belize (his parents’ homeland).

On tour Wallen works with local musicians, developing new ideas for his performances and compositions. He’s joined here by musicians of international brilliance and recognition.

“Byron Wallen is one of the most innovative, exciting and original trumpet players alive” – Jazzwise Magazine.

A 700-year-old story awaits you on our volunteer-led Deer Park tours – learn about the people who lived here, the magnificent landscape, the deer themselves and the abundant wildlife.

The Deer Park is an exciting new development for Dartington. It includes the repair and restoration of Dartington’s historic Deer Park Wall through essential and lasting conservation works, creating new accessible and interpreted walks through the surrounding parkland, and encouraging more people to engage in the landscape including through a new schools’ programme and new volunteering opportunities.

Every Monday, 2-3pm, and Friday, 11am-12 noon. Tours run until mid October.

Meet under the archway entrance to the Courtyard (by Barn Cinema box office entrance)

– Find out more about the Park in our Deer Park microsite

Tours are free – there is no need to book. In order to help keep this place special for everyone, an opportunity will be provided at the end of the tour for attendees to make an entirely optional donation towards the Gardens’ upkeep.

Formed at the Royal Academy of Music, the Tritium Trio is a truly multinational ensemble, comprising Slovenian clarinettist Jernej Albreht, Swedish cellist Lydia Hillerudh, and Australian pianist Joseph Havlat.

Eleanor Alberga Duo from Dancing with the Shadow
Brett Dean Night Window
Brahms Clarinet Trio in A minor Op.114

The award-winning young clarinet trio make their debut in this imaginative programme. The foremost desire of the group is to explore repertoire other than pieces typically played by this ensemble type – in particular the clarinet trios of Beethoven and Brahms – in order, as they say rather modestly, ‘to make rehearsals and performances as refreshing and enlightening as possible, for both the trio and any audience they may have.’

An exploration of decadent, political Berlin during the Weimar era from Sarah Gabriel, one of the UK’s most talented and experienced singers in music theatre and classical music.

The programme includes songs by Kurt Weill, Hollaender (The Blue Angel), and Krenek (Jonny spielt auf).

The brilliant soprano Sarah Gabriel sings music spanning four centuries, from early Handel works to brand-new commissions. Sarah performs on the opera stage around the world, in recital and in oratorios, in contemporary music, and in music theatre. She made her triumphant European debut as Eliza Doolittle in Robert Carsen’s much-loved production of My Fair Lady at Théâtre du Châtelet, opposite Alex Jennings as Higgins.

sarahgabriel.eu
Listen to Sarah

Joanna MacGregor, the Artistic Director of Dartington International Summer School & Festival, is one of the world’s most innovative musicians, appearing as a concert pianist, curator, and collaborator. Head of Piano at the Royal Academy of Music and Professor of the University of London, she has performed in more than eighty countries.

“MacGregor’s verve, energy and astounding technique are always at the service of the music and never vice versa. Her ability to inhabit so many sound worlds with the same intensity and commitment is profoundly impressive.” – BBC Classical Review

Irish music session.

Feel free to join in if you’d like – bring your fiddle, Bodhrán, Uilleann pipes- whatever!

Spanish Summer Classes for kids.
18months – 5 years 10am – 10:45
5 – 11 years 10:55 – 11:40am

£5.50 per session/per child
Learn Spanish through songs, games, role play, stories makaton and crafts

Contact Patty on 07813 272979

Our volunteer-led tours are a brilliant opportunity to discover the secrets of our glorious Gardens.

From the 14th Century buildings, to the much-loved Sunny Border, to one of the oldest trees in England, you’ll hear the stories behind individual features and learn about some of the Garden mysteries, unanswered even today.

The gardens at Dartington Hall are world class Grade II listed and are open, free of charge, all year round. Although the history of the gardens goes back several hundred years, it was not until Leonard and Dorothy Elmhirst arrived in 1925 that its true potential was realised.

Dartington would like to warmly thank our volunteers who make these tours happen.

If bringing a group of over 10 people, booking in advance will be required and a donation per person will be requested. Please contact volunteering@dartington.org to book.

Born into poverty and raised in a brothel, Edith Piaf (Marion Cotillard) manages to achieve worldwide fame. Though her extraordinary voice and charisma open many doors that lead to friendships and romances, she experiences great personal loss, drug addiction and an early death.

Doors open for coffee & cake at 10.00am.  Film starts at 11am.  All tickets £5 on the door.

All inclusive singing session for all-comers.

Come along and join in.

Steve and Lizzy, invite you to take the limelight for your own songs and if you ask nicely they will play along with you – or not as the case maybe.

Friendly, welcoming and encouraging, it’s always a good evening.

Kathy Alexander leads you through time and place from the ancient origins to the town’s modern culture, taking in the best of its heritage en-route –

Every Thursday from April to the end of October, meet local guide Kathy for an informative and interesting guided walk.
Take a stroll around the historic town centre. From the commercial hub of the Saxon and Medieval Town we visit ancient wells, old marketplaces, Castle and town walls, church and civic precinct and an Elizabethan garden.

Tourist Information Office, Market Square, High Street, Totnes, TQ9 5SG, 10:30am till 12:30pm, Adult £5, Child £3

A 700-year-old story awaits you on our volunteer-led Deer Park tours – learn about the people who lived here, the magnificent landscape, the deer themselves and the abundant wildlife.

The Deer Park is an exciting new development for Dartington. It includes the repair and restoration of Dartington’s historic Deer Park Wall through essential and lasting conservation works, creating new accessible and interpreted walks through the surrounding parkland, and encouraging more people to engage in the landscape including through a new schools’ programme and new volunteering opportunities.

Every Monday, 2-3pm, and Friday, 11am-12 noon. Tours run until mid October.

Meet under the archway entrance to the Courtyard (by Barn Cinema box office entrance)

– Find out more about the Park in our Deer Park microsite

Tours are free – there is no need to book. In order to help keep this place special for everyone, an opportunity will be provided at the end of the tour for attendees to make an entirely optional donation towards the Gardens’ upkeep.

A chance to catch Bristol based folk-ster Phil King in an intimate setting in the Brewery garden at the foot of Totnes Castle.

Phil released his third studio album ‘The Wreckage’ in spring 2016. “Stunningly Beautiful, The Wreckage should expand his profile considerably.” – Folk Radio UK

As a singer-songwriter Phil King has the whole trinity: a beautiful, soulful singing voice; deft skills at playing the guitar and the capacity to write elegantly worded and powerful songs. Seen live, his diffident charm could win over the grumpiest of crowds” Tony Benjamin B24/7

“A modern Bill Withers in the making” Jazzwise Magazine

“Supremely talented Bristol-based singer, Phil King. He has a voice to die for” Time Out,London

“Absolutely Brilliant. He is a Song Weaver.” – Bob Harris BBC Radio 2

“Always lyrical, tuneful and emotional, lovers of the darker side of folk and roots-based music will find plenty to enjoy.”
– R2 Rock’n’Reel Magazine

“…an easy creativity and a sureness of direction, thats both appealing and accessible in a radio friendly way yet without lacking in substance. Phil’s songs are couched in the simple language of truth.” – Fatea Magazine