Springhead at Fontmell Magna, an ancient mill-house, mill-pond and gardens, is a fusion of natural beauty and human creativity. What better location for an event that celebrates and explores the connections between music, art and the land?
From 23rd to 27th October, Springhead is the setting for a symposium, Music and the Land, organised by Springhead Constellation, the new music and art organisation created by Dorset-based conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner and his partner, harpist Gwyneth Wentink.
The four-day event includes opportunities for musicians and artists to develop projects and showcase their work, ending on Sunday 27th October, with a day for the public to see some of the work and hear music, discussions and talks by some of the participants.
The symposium topics include the role of farming in cultural health, the impact of land stewardship on artistic traditions and the ways in which music and the arts inspire sustainable living.
Regain the elemental force
Speakers include John Eliot, who grew up at Springhead and whose mother, Marabel Gardiner, was the creator of the gardens – more recently, his late sister Rosalind restored them. He will be joined by the former president of the Soil Association, sustainable food pioneer Patrick Holden to talk about the theme of music, culture and the land.
Music comes from Ensemble Echappee, who are in residence during the week, and some of the Springhead Constellation singing apprentices who had a week-long residency in the spring. Visual artists taking part include James Grossman, Tom Unwin, Amy Keller and Dorset-based Aisling Hedgecock.
Another keynote speaker will be Guy Haywood, sculptor and curator, with a particular focus on performance and interdisciplinary practices. His theme will be “The home of Songs – Place, Identity and Folk.”
John Eliot, whose musical practice ranges from the Renaissance and baroque to 20th century works, is also an organic farmer and has a life-long commitment to the environment, the land and to our need to connect with it. He says: ‘In today’s noise-polluted world, music can regain the elemental force that our ancestors once acknowledged when they celebrated its magical origins. All of us can be inspired and refreshed through direct exposure to its mysterious and life-giving beauty and joy.’
Concerts and conversations explore how music and the arts can inspire ecological renewal. Come for the music, the ideas or to soak up Springhead’s beauty.
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