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 second of two workshops under the banner of Par Excellence: Great Performers of the Last 100 Years. Music historian Gwyn Parry-Jones turns to three performers of extraordinary depth — musicians whose greatness lies not in spectacle, but in the power to move us profoundly.
We begin with a musician many consider simply beyond comparison: cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. One of the defining musical giants of the twentieth century, Rostropovich inspired composers from Prokofiev to Britten to write for him specifically — a testament to an artistry so remarkable it actively shaped the repertoire.
We then meet a pianist who quietly became one of the most admired interpreters of his generation: Radu Lupu. The Romanian master was never one for showmanship, yet his playing possessed a quality of inwardness and illumination that left audiences and fellow musicians alike lost for words. Wide-ranging in repertoire, profound in insight — a pianist's pianist in the very best sense.
And finally — Gwyn confesses to cheerfully breaking his own rules. When it comes to the human voice, he simply cannot choose just one. So we close with two singers of legendary status: Jussi Björling, the Swedish tenor whose golden tone remains one of the most ravishing sounds ever captured on record; and Dame Janet Baker, the great English mezzo-soprano whose emotional honesty and interpretive intelligence have made her, for many, the finest British singer of the twentieth century.
Come ready to listen, to wonder, and to be moved.
If you missed Part One — Par Excellence: Musical Trailblazers (Click hereto find out more) — it is equally self-contained and just as warmly welcoming to new attendees.
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.
