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Talks and Special Events

Throughout the year, West Dean College programmes exciting talks and special events alongside its Concerts and Short Courses


Saturday Afternoon Music Lectures


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A Conductor's Ear on Listening
March 5, 2.30 - 5pm
£12 (inc. tea)
A thought-provoking look at how we listen to music – including the historical perspective together with contemporary trends and possible new ventures in the future. This afternoon illustrated talk and discussion, suitable for newcomers to classical music and experienced listeners, aims to enhance appreciation of the structure and subtleties of major classical works.
JOHN GIBBONS

Gold and Silver – The Life and Music of Franz Lehár
March 27, 2.30 - 5pm
£12 (inc. tea)
From the sparkling gaiety of pre-1914 ‘The Merry Widow’ to the tragic sensuality of his later works, Franz Lehár greatly enriched the operetta repertoire, but he also wrote sonatas, symphonic poems, marches and waltzes. Using musical and visual illustrations we examine his fascinating life.
IAN GLEDHILL

Saturday Garden Lectures

Book or find out more about Gardening Courses here

Rain gardens – managing water sustainably in the landscape
5 February 2011
Course code: GL1707 Price: £59 Tutor: Nigel Dunnett

Rain Gardens are a hot topic in the USA but yet to make a real impact here. They offer the opportunity for gardeners and designers to respond to the challenges of climate change. This movement aims to integrate buildings with the landscape or garden, whilst capturing, storing, cleaning and returning to the soil as much rainfall as possible. Explore how rain gardens may be applicable to your own garden.

Crûg Farm Plants – extraordinary tales of modern day plant hunting
16 April 2011
Course code: GL1856 Price: £59 Tutor: Bleddyn Wynn-Jones

Bleddyn and his wife Sue travel to remote parts of the world to collect rare and unusual plants for their nursery; their collections are much sought after around the world. Bleddyn will talk about their expeditions to Taiwan and Vietnam and explain how they have scaled mountains and volcanoes, explored hidden canyons and dodged armed bandits to seek out elusive specimens.

Saturday Garden Lecture price includes tea and coffee and lunch.
10am - 3pm.

Bookings: Admissions 0844 4994408 or +44 (0)1243 811301.



How to Find Us

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West Dean College and Gardens are situated in South East England, six miles north of the historic city of Chichester and 12 miles from the south coast.

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