Dartington Summer School saved by move to Norfolk

Following the resignation of the Dartington Music Summer School and Festival team last month, Dartington International Summer School Foundation, the charity behind the School, has today announced that a new home has been found for the School and Festival in 2024. The move follows the launch of a petition to save the School which has gained over 5,000 signatures.

Th event, which has been held at Dartington Hall in Devon since 1953, will move to Norfolk for its 2024 edition, held at Gresham’s School in Holt, which counts Benjamin Britten among its former students. Set to run from 27 July to 10 August 2024, the programme for the relocated event will be announced by the end of November and booking will open at the start of December.

In a statement released on its website today, the Dartington International Summer School Foundation said: ‘Gresham’s will provide a fabulous base for the Summer School, with stunning performance and rehearsal facilities along with relaxing and comfortable residential accommodation for participants, all surrounded by beautiful grounds and woodlands.'

The upcoming season promises concerts, talks and events across the school throughout the Music Summer School and Festival, with courses including Choir, Vocal Ensembles and Chamber Choir, Opera Scenes, Chamber Music, Baroque Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Early Music, Composition, Instrumental and Vocal Workshops and Masterclasses.

Founded in 1976, the Dartington International Summer School Foundation is distinct from Dartington Trust, which owns the Dartington Estate and confirmed in October that the 2024 edition has been ‘put on hold’ while its current financial review continues. It has not yet been confirmed whether any of the former team, including artistic director Sara Mohr-Pietsch, will return to the Summer School and Festival at its new location.