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Join us for a long weekend in Northumberland where we are to combine a visit to Alnwich Gardens with a day spent at the 13th Brinkburn Music Summer Festival, an outstanding classical music event set in a beautiful 12th century priory in the heart of Northumberland.

Friday 13 July
Arrival and welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel

Saturday 14 July
Departure after breakfast for the drive to Alnwick Gardens, considered to be the most spectacular contemporary garden to be created in Britain for 100 years, the Pavilion and Visitor Centre combine amazing architecture by Sir Michael Hopkins with grand views of this amazing water garden, Rose Garden, Poison Garden and Bamboo Labyrinth. On arrival you will be welcomed with a cup of coffee and a talk by Ian August who has been Estate Manager on the Northumberland Estates for 40 years and has worked with the Duchess of Northumberland as Garden Project Director since 1996. This presentation will set the scene for your day at Alnwick.

You are free then to explore the garden in your own time and find lunch in either the Pavilion or the Tree House. During the afternoon your guide will offer walks into the town of Alnwick and visit the famous ‘Barter Books’ bookshop. Back to your hotel for the night and relax over dinner.

Sunday 15 July
A very leisurely start to Sunday as our musical feast does not begin until late morning when you will arrive at Brinkburn Priory. This beautiful 12th Century Church of the Augustinian priory survives completely roofed and restored. Picturesquely set on a bend in the River Croquet it is reached by a scenic walk from the car park and is noted for its superb sound acoustics. Paul McCreesh (artistic director) writes that he has “chosen performers and pieces that really compliment the outstanding surroundings and unique acoustic of Brinkburn Priory which is one of the most inspiring venues in which he performs”.

The music today is by Beethoven and begins with a lunchtime concert by Paul Lewis who plays the Beethoven Sonatas Op. 109, 110 and 111. Paul is one of the most sought after pianists of his generation; he has received regular coaching from Alfred Brendel and has many competition successes. He is currently performing a complete cycle of Beethoven Piano Sonatas at venues across Europe and the US through to the end of 2007. At the end of this concert there will be a lunch interval where we have booked a three-course lunch with wine and coffee in the marquee.

The main work of the day is the Beethoven ‘Missa Solemnis’ performed by the Garbieli Consort and Players and a large choir. Beethoven composed this mass between 1819 & 1823 and it is considered to be one of the composer’s supreme achievements, in his last years he referred to it as his finest work, like most masses it is in five movements. The Gabrieli Consort and Players were founded in 1982 and are regularly heard at major concerts throughout the USA and Europe. Back to your hotel for the final night and dinner

Monday 16 July
Departure after a leisurely breakfast

Price per person £489: Single Supplement £75: Non refundable deposit £100:
Includes:

• 3 nights dinner bed and breakfast
• Welcome reception
• Introductory talk and entry to Alnwick Gardens
• Top price seats to 2 concerts and private lunch with wine at the Brinkburn Music Festival
• Professional guide and executive coaching