Musicians fear for future of Devon summer school

Musicians say they fear for the future of a Devon summer school after its 2024 programme was put "on hold" amid the resignation of organisers.

Dartington Music Summer School and Festival is an internationally-recognised hub for musicians.

Etain Todds, 94, who has attended the school for 75 years and once sang in front of composer Igor Stravinsky, is among those to have expressed concerns.

In a statement on its website, Dartington Trust confirmed a "review".

It said artistic director Sara Mohr-Pietsch had "decided to step down" from her role after four years, along with "the rest of the summer school team".

But community members said they were concerned it could close altogether, which would be a "terrible sadness".

Ms Todds, who performs under the name Etain Kabraji, said: "I was at school at Dartington all through the war and I was there when the summer school first came in 1954, brought by Sir William Glock.

"I'm terribly sad that it's on hold, I think it has a wonderful history in beautiful circumstances - Dartington is beautiful.

"It really has had an important influence on the way that music was taught."

The summer school programme usually includes 86 music courses, a similar number of public events and just shy of 100 bursary places for emerging musicians.

Dartington Trust conducted a financial review over the summer.

Laurence Cummings, music director of the Academy of Ancient Music, said of the summer school: "If it were not to continue any more I would be really heartbroken.

"I think it would be a terrible, terrible sadness for our music community and for the country at large."

Jude Chandler, a student at the Royal Academy of Music, said he was the course's "youngest ever" participant aged 14 and that it "kick-started" his career.

He added: "I enjoyed it enough to return two years later with a period instrument borrowed from a professional and it started my love for historical performance."

Suki Trussler, professional musician, added: "I think every time something like this closes some of our culture erodes away."

Richard Heason runs the Dartington International Summer School foundation - a charity independent to the trust.

Acknowledging the "challenges" facing Dartington Trust, he said he had been in talks with both the trust "and others".

The foundation wishes to take on the organisation of the Summer School but that may mean it will not take place on the historic Dartington Estate, he said.

On its website, Dartington Trust said the trust celebrated the 75th anniversary of Summer School with an "incredible programme", honouring its long history and "unique place in the eco-system of classical music".

It said the school would usually be taking priority bookings for 2024 but that "future plans and bookings for the Music Summer School and Festival are under review".

It said people could request more information after the review.

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