THE DILLINGTON SUMMER SCHOOL AND GUITAR FESTIVAL

In existence since 1994, the Summer School offers a wide-ranging programme of ensemble playing for classical guitarists of all ages and abilities apart from complete beginners. The emphasis is on participation, with students working in a non-competitive and supportive environment. The course director Peter Rueffer is supported by tutors. Current and past tutors include Lorraine Eastwood, Steve Marsh, Nick Hunt and Arne Brattland.

Students work in small ensemble groups (7-10 players) and in a guitar orchestra (30+ players) and parts, which range in difficulty from elementary (grade 2) to advanced (grade 8), allocated in accordance with the student’s technical standard and music reading ability.

In addition many students  participate in performance classes mostly for guitar duet. These classes are usually tutored by the professional artistes who will have performed in the Festival Concert the previous day. Performance classes are also undertaken for guitar and other instruments such as harpsichord, flute and string quartet.

CGO members performing in a lunchtime concert

Creative music making class from time to time offer an opportunity to learn and develop improvisational skills.

Talks are frequently held and in the past these have ranged from guitar construction, fine-tuning the guitar sound and the various types of multi-string guitars.

Parts for the ensembles, orchestra and performance classes, made available one month before the course, allow some advance preparation to be made.

Performance opportunities for all in daily lunchtime recitals are available as well as in the student ensemble concert on the last day. A BBQ and party for students and invited guests follow this concert marking the end of the course.

A comprehensive selection of sheet music, recordings and accessories is on sale throughout the week.

Members of CGO relaxing (in typical fashion) at the Friday evening BBQ

The Dillington Guitar Festival runs concurrently with the Summer School. This is a series of public concerts devoted to the guitar, played in various ensemble combinations. Tickets to all concerts are included in the residential fee.

The Festival programme consisted of concerts on five consecutive nights. Performers have included The Pro Arte Trio, Daniel Chandler and Louise Southwood (flute and guitar), Trio Campanella (guitar trio from Denmark), Tango Siempre (violin and bandoneon duo), The Groningen Guitar Duo (from Holland), The Arctic Guitar Trio (from Norway), The Aquarelle Quartet, The Katona Twins (from Hungary), The Eden-Stell Duo, The Hand-Dupre Duo and many more.

Contact Peter Rueffer if you would like information about next year's Summer School:
peter.ruefferbtinternet.com