Springtime Concert at the Chateau de Louvignies

Sunday 22nd April 2007




We are delighted to announce a springtime afternoon of Music, Poetry and Food at the glorious Château de Louvignies http://www.chateau-louvignies.be situated in the countryside near Brussels.


Date: Sunday 22nd April 2007

Venue :  CHATEAU DE LOUVIGNIES

rue de VILLEGAS n°1

à Chée N-Dame - Louvignies

7063 SOIGNIES


Programme :  

3 p.m. Reception and welcome drink at the Chateau. (Full programme only.)

4 – 5 p.m.  Guided tour of the Chateau (one in French, one in English) with its perfectly preserved period interior and world- renowned kitchens . (Full programme only.)

5 – 6.30 p.m.   Concert in the Orangerie.

6.30 p.m. Buffet Supper.


The Concert will be given by the soprano Penelope Turner (Trinity) and pianist and composer Andrew Wise (St Catharine’s) both professional musicians living and working in Belgium.


The central idea behind the concert programme is to look at the interpretation of poetry through music.  We will compare the approach of different composers and observe the influence of their music on the texts.  The atmosphere will be light and intimate, the artists talking informally to the audience and sharing their ideas and interesting anecdotal titbits.


The musical programme will include early 20th century song cycles by Samuel Barber, Francis Poulenc and Benjamin Britten.  There will also be three recently composed songs by Andrew Wise, our pianist. Some of the pieces have been selected for their special link to Belgium. The poetry featured includes works by Robert Graves, James Joyce, WH Auden and Guillaume Apollinaire, and some of these will be read aloud during the concert.  Members of the audience will be encouraged to participate in these readings if they so wish.


Tickets:                          

Full Programme

€40 per head for the full programme.

€45 for non-members, who are welcome as guests.

- Children under 12 half-non-members price.

Half Programme

€30 per head for the concert and buffet supper only.

€35 for non-members.

- Children under 12 half-non-members price


To Reserve:            

Please reserve places in advance with claire.deburbure@skynet.be.  Numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, dependant on payment to the account of the Cambridge Society. If you wish to attend the guided tour, please state clearly whether you prefer French or English.  Final date for reservations : Monday April 16th. Please indicate your affiliation (Oxford or Cambridge Society) or the name of whom you are a guest.


Payment: Please transfer funds to the Belgian Bank Account no. 776-5978534-36 with a note ‘Concert at Louvignies + numbers of members, guests and children’

OR send a Belgian Bank Cheque together with a note to:

The Hon. Treasurer

Mr. Ludo de Vleeschauwer                                                                       

42 Ahornlaan                                               

1640 Sint Genesius Rode



Photos from the Concert at the Chateau de Louvignies

Warmly received, members relaxed with champagne in the garden, toured the historic chateau and then were delighted by an insightful musical event. Penelope Turner and Andrew Wise entranced their audience with a sparkling song recital that was by turn touching, humorous and thought-provoking. Afterwards food was served. A great time was had by all....

MORE DETAILS-->>