Chopin made a trip to Mallorca accompanied by the writer George Sand in 1838. They stayed at the CELL No. 4 of the La Cartuja de Valldemossa monastery, where Chopin received his Pleyel piano from Paris. | PLOZANO
The Arts Society’s next talk at the Hotel Artmadams was to take place on 4th February but unfortunately Michelangelo has been replaced by Chopin.
The Talk will be given (at short notice) by AS Chairman Sarah Collett. Rather than cancel the event altogether, the decision was made to move the date to Tuesday 11th February, at 7.30pm
The speakers, who are normally accredited Arts Society Lecturers, fly out from the UK - so it is very difficult to replace a speaker at short notice. Sarah Collett has a background in music and a lifelong love of Chopin. She studied at Trinity College of Music, London and subsequently ran a company for 20 years teaching young children music. The company was lucky enough to be chosen as part of the Outreach at the Yehudi Menuhin School, the International School for gifted musicians, where Sarah also ran the Music Library. She heard a lot of Chopin!
The talk examines the short time Chopin and George Sand spent in Mallorca, the harmony of his music and the discord - the complicated path to the tourist attraction that thrives in Valldemossa today. Having researched Chopin’s life and music widely, Sarah has finally finished her novel, in which Chopin appears, called ‘The Ghost Prelude’.
Chopin was a very sickly character and his winter in Mallorca was not a bed of roses. The then deserted Carthusian Monastery and damp winter weather here caused his condition to deteriorate dramatically. And yet some of his most notable music was completed here, in the few weeks after his precious piano was finally released from Customs. Today, the Festival Pianino in Valldemossa stages concerts with top-class musicians. Well worth a visit!
The Arts Society’s talks take place at the Hotel Artmadams, Palma. Members have priority but some spaces may be available to guests for €20 (paid on the door). Registration is essential. For more information and registration to attend an event, email mallorca@theartssociety.org
The Talks are followed by a Drinks and Tapas Reception - a great way to meet others interested in the vibrant Arts scene on the island!
Price
Members have priority but some spaces may be available to guests for 20€ (paid on the door).