THE SUMMER SCHOOL, originally Music at Ladevie, was founded in 1991 by the pianist and writer Paul Roberts and his partner, arts journalist Jenny Gilbert. Within a few years they had built up a unique enterprise with an international following. In 2003 the summer school moved to larger premises at Chateau Castelfranc in the Languedoc, owned by the Dandelion Trust (see Venue page). Over the years the summer school has maintained and developed the original vision of its founders: to nurture the highest standards of music-making in idyllic surroundings, removed from the competitive pressures of everyday life.

TUTORS: At Castelfranc 2008 Paul Roberts will be joined by:

Ian Brown (21-29 July)

Charles Owen (1-9 August)

Stefan Bojstein (12-20 August)

Please go to the Tutors page for further details. In addition, on all three courses, there will be daily warm-up classes to expand musical awareness away from the keyboard, led by jazz and world-music specialist David Nelson. David will also offer classes in free improvisation.

CONCERTS and EVENTS: Music at Castelfranc encourages a wide range of music making, both formal and informal. Highlights from the past 4 years include masterclass preparation of Chopin's Ballades, and Ravel's Miroirs, followed by fine performances; lecture recitals by Paul Roberts on Bartok's Sonata, Liszt's Petrarch Sonnets, Debussy and Impressionism; concert performances of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring for piano duet and Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto for two pianos (played by Martin Sturfalt and Stephan Bojsten); readings from Hoffmann by pianist Catherine Kautsky to accompany her own performance of Schumann's Kreisleriana; Bach and Liszt played by Robert Durso; jazz, soul, blues, ragtime, boogie-woogie played by Dave Nelson; poetry readings from Shakespeare to the present day; French cabaret by candlelight; dancing on the terrace to the accompaniment of accordion and saxophone.

DAY OFF: Midway through each course half a day is set aside for relaxation and exploration of the local area. We reassemble in the evening at a local restaurant so as to give our helpers a day off. Please see the Fees and Accommodation page (Fees click here) for further details.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Please consult the Frequently Asked Questions page (click here), where a considerable amount of information can be found not covered elsewhere on the site.