John Clare - Fields were the essence of his song
- Date
- Saturday 31 October 2015, 10.00am - 10.00pm
The life, work and influence of poet, fiddler, ecologist and commentator on social change
JOHN CLARE (1793 – 1864)
Folk Fiddle Workshop with Patrick Rimes
10:00am-1:30pm
John Clare was an accomplished fiddle player and one of the first serious collectors of folk music. This workshop will give fiddle players an opportunity to work on the repertoire from Clare’s own collection under the guidance of the noted folk fiddle player Patrick Rimes. The session will culminate in an informal performance open to those attending the John Clare Day events.
Patrick Rimes is a musician who crosses the boundaries of classical and traditional music. He is a composer, arranger, conductor, classical viola player and traditional fiddle and pipes player. He was Music Director for S4C’s one-off Christmas Special ‘Nadolig Bryn Terfel’ in December. Patrick is in demand as a teacher with both Trac (Wales' traditional music
foundation) and Clera (the society for traditional instruments in Wales), giving regular workshops and lessons on style, repertoire and arranging skills.
Tickets: £7 / £5 (observer) - including morning refreshments
Talk by Barry Sheerman
2:00pm
Introduction and talk on Clare’s life and times
Admission Free
Talk by Dr David Higgins
2:45pm
John Clare the ‘ecological’ poet
Admission Free
Talk by Prof. Derek Scott
4:00pm
John Clare the musician
Admission Free
Meet the Artist: Barry Wenden
5:00pm
Barry Wenden introduces his current exhibition and discusses the influences of poet John Clare on his work.
Admission Free
Enclosed!: John Clare, poet
7:30pm
Trio Literati with Eleanor Rastall (soprano)
John Clare, self-taught poet and lyrical observer of nature, also turned his hand to sharp political satire, bawdy dialogue, verse tales, sketches, and an intermittent journal. A remarkable output for a man locked in a 19th century Asylum for almost 40 years!
Trio Literati, with soprano Eleanor Rastall, offer a colourful and unexpected portrait of the man and the
vanishing rural England which inspired him.
Trio Literati are full of energy, wit and style
Peter Holman, Opera Restor'd
Tickets: £15
£13 (advance saver - available until 16 October)
FREE - Students and Under 16s