Ravel and Debussy, two giants of French music – music appreciation with Roy Stratford

Ref: SWE36385

Book now

Places available

About this course

This weekend explores the works of two giants of French music, Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy in the 150th anniversary year of the birth of Ravel. The tutors' lively talks are accompanied by examples from the music, and an informal recital on Saturday evening.

Course Description

Since 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Maurice Ravel, it offers a timely opportunity to explore his wonderful music and to put it alongside that of his inspirer Claude Debussy, who was only 13 years his senior.

We will also examine the rich cross currents in the arts of the time and the impact of Symbolist poetry and Impressionist painting on these musicians. There will be a recital including music by both composers on the Saturday evening.

The recital is included in the programme for course participants. Non-resident students who would like to book dinner at the College on Saturday evening prior to the recital, should book this in advance with the Bookings Office. Additional tickets can be purchased for guests via the link: Recital by Roy Stratford, Marina Solarek and Kim Mackrell

Course Materials

Included

A ticket for the recital on Saturday evening

What students need to bring

  • A notebook and pen if you wish

Additional information

Additional tickets for public/guests for the recital are available to purchase online, in advance or on the evening. Please book tickets via www.westdean.ac.uk/events. Tickets cost £15.

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

General Information

Tutors

Roy Stratford

Roy Stratford was very lucky to have had a music teacher at school who had been a student of the great Austrian modernist composer Anton Webern and who inspired in him a great love of music and a particular interest in the Austro-Germanic tradition from Bach to Stockhausen. He went on to study music at Reading University and then the Royal College of Music ( conducting with Norman del Mar) and has since developed a very varied musical career as pianist, conductor, composer and lecturer.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

String Quartet coaching with the Coull Quartet

3 to 5 Oct 2025 | West Dean
2 places available
Tutors: Jonathan Barritt, Nicholas Roberts, Philip Gallaway | Roger Coull |
Intermediate/Advanced
£314

Classical guitar – ensemble playing and performance

29 to 31 Mar 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutors: Amanda Cook | Andrew Gough |
Intermediate/Advanced
£314

Viol consort music

2 to 4 Jan 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Alison Crum |
Intermediate/Advanced
£314
Singing students with Evelyn Tubb and Michael Fields

English Art Song 1600–2000

26 Feb 2026 to 1 Mar 2026 | West Dean
Places available
Tutors: Evelyn Tubb | Michael Fields |
Intermediate/Advanced
£501