Chelveston 2024

Our annual Friends of Square Pianos gatherings, originally held at Finchcocks, have always been well-supported, and since we moved to my home village ofChelveston in Northamptonshire we have enjoyed full houses. On Saturday April 6th we met again in our beautiful mediaeval church. We assembled a collection of about twenty early keyboard instruments, the oldest a spinet by Edward Blunt from 1704. There were four square pianos and two other original spinets, as well as more recently-built spinets, harpsichords, and clavichords.

Several of our friends kindly provided musical interludes; one of the highlights was a little-known duet for two spinets, played by Lizzie and Francis on the 1704 Blunt and its 2016 replica.

The party was informal, with plenty of opportunity to make friends, play the instuments, and enjoy tea-breaks and a buffet lunch.

There were a few short talks as well, including a presentation by Jean Maurer of his amazing restoration of the 1820 Tomkison grand, made for King George IV for the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, and now restored to its rightful home.

All our Friends are welcome; perhaps the best behaved of all our guests was Wilson, the adorable assistance dog.

One of our friends very kindly made a short video of the 2023 party which may be viewed by clicking Here

Planning for the 2025 party, to be held on Saturday April 26 is now in hand; some of the instruments will be on the Friday, when there will be an evening). Do please let me know if you would provisionally like to book a place - we have quite a few names already, and are expecting a full house.