What separates the merely brilliant from the truly great? In the world of musical performance, flawless technical mastery is simply the entry ticket — a given, a baseline.
Beyond that lies the capacity, even the compulsion, to reach inside a piece of music and communicate its deepest character and ideas with total conviction. But to earn the accolade of greatness, something further is required: that elusive 'Ingredient X', impossible to pin down in words, yet absolutely unmistakable the moment you encounter it.
Part of our Neighbourhood Learning Summer School 2026, this is the first of two Neighbourhood Workshops under the banner of Par Excellence: Great Performers of the Last 100 Years — and what a way to spend a summer's day. Music historian Gwyn Parry-Jones introduces three performers who didn't just master their instruments — they redefined what those instruments could be.
Jean-Pierre Rampal transformed the flute from a relatively overlooked orchestral voice into a vehicle for profound solo expression. Ask any flautist to name the greatest of all time, and the answer will almost certainly be Rampal. We explore what made his playing so irresistible, so human, so alive.
Next, the violin — and one of the towering figures of twentieth-century string playing: the great American virtuoso Isaac Stern. Passionate, intellectually formidable, and possessed of a tone that seemed to speak directly to the soul, Stern was a musician of rare depth and charisma — a true ambassador for his art.
We round off the day with something genuinely thrilling: Alison Balsom, who has done nothing less than transform the image of the trumpet — bringing it centre stage with dazzling brilliance, extraordinary delicacy, and a performance personality that commands any room she enters.
Par Excellence continues the following day with Day Two: Heart, Mastery and the Human Voice(Click here to find out more) — but each workshop stands fully on its own and is equally welcoming to first-time visitors.
Our home for the day will be the wonderful Holbrook Manor, a graceful Georgian house set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton. Effortlessly combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity, you’ll immediately feel at home. With a 2-course lunch included and refreshments at breaktimes prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, we’ve certainly got your appetite for both delicious food and learning covered!
Book your place…
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
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Gwyn Parry-Jones has been involved in continuing education, at various institutions and in various capacities, for over 40 years. Music is his subject, and is at the centre of all his work, so his extensive professional performing experience as conductor, instrumentalist and singer feeds in to his work, as do his years as a university head of department.
Click here to find out more about Gwyn and his other available courses
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Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With elegant rooms, home-cooked meals, and access to the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking, accessible course rooms and some accessible bedrooms. There are also a few bedrooms which are dog friendly.
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Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
We will usually begin from 10:00 before a short mid-morning break at 11:00. We’ll then run until lunch at 13:00 before resuming until 16:30.
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A pen and paper might be handy if you wish to make notes and an open mind!
Our Summer School 2026 is here!
Enjoying the look of this course? This is just one of a wonderful array of talks, workshops and lectures taking place throughout the Neighbourhood Learning Summer School 2026. From art history and architecture to craft and culture, there's something to fascinate and inspire at every turn — and if you really want to immerse yourself, why not join us as a resident for the entire Summer School? Visit our dedicated Summer School page to explore everything that's on offer and find out how to make the most of this very special summer.
