About us

Let's quickly introduce ourselves, Alison Teale, Oboist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Professor at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and coach for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, and Richard Benjafield, Percussionist, founder of Ensemble Bash, and Head of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion at GSMD .

Alison has been visiting Champagnac-la-Rivière since 1998, and has often shared the experience of being in such a rejuvenating environment with her degree students. Many  have performed in churches around the Limousin region as part of a double reed band, some of you may have seen them perform.

This year we are hosting an oboe course for adult amateur oboists, with the aim of creating a welcoming space so participants can  learn and develop at their own pace. They will be working with an accompanist, in small chamber groups, receiving individual tuition and perform a range of music as an oboe band at the end of the week in Champagnac's church. To share the beauty of Champagnac we have themed the concert around the constellations in the night sky. There is nothing quite so magical as the clear night sky over the village lit by the endless stars and bright moon. 

We (Richard and Alison) will be performing as a duo on Wednesday 23rd July, an eclectic range of music from Piazzolla, Bach and Reich. We hope to entertain, surprise and delight you with our concert.

In addition Richard will be leading a percussion workshop on the 18th July at 5.30 behind the Mairie. Please come along and join in the samba beats. It's free and instruments are provided.

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This is just the start of our dream, we hope to be able to bring more musicians to the area, to create opportunities for learning and performing,  be it world class professionals, or children who have just picked up their instrument of choice. If you would like to be involved in this journey or simply to be kept in the loop of future events, please do get in touch with us.

We will be needing hosts, participants, helpers and an audience. 

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