To lift the gloom of the second lockdown, Dr Vivian Anthony has produced a new book celebrating the 'Golden Ages' of music and musicians in Uppingham Town.
This companion volume to ‘Closer to Heaven’, which deals with music in the Church, covers 500 years of music in Uppingham. Three significant institutions enjoy their 'Golden Ages' - The Uppingham Choral Society, the Rutland Music Festival and the Uppingham Amateur Operatic Society – and such notable characters as Sterndale Bennett, Joseph Joachim, Paul David and Malcolm Sargent emerge.
Cooperation between Uppingham School and the town is at the heart of much of the history.
Some of the nation's most famous classical, jazz and folk musicians have performed in Uppingham in the School Hall and Theatre, Church and Goldmark Gallery. However this story is really about the scores of ordinary musicians and their mentors contributing to Uppingham, which has become known as a ’Mecca for Music’. Some Uppinghamians have moved on to stellar careers nationally and beyond.
This volume is edited by John Wardle, prefaced by the High Sheriff and produced by the Uppingham Local History Study Group with the help of memories from many local contributors and newspapers.
'Golden Ages – a History of Music and Musicians in Uppingham Town' is on sale for £9.00 directly from Dr Anthony. For all enquiries telephone 01572 821674.
Dr Vivian Anthony
