The Serpentarium 2011
Cape Cornwall, 27-30 May

The Serpentarium is a biennial gathering of all who are interested in the serpent and related instruments: players, makers, restorers and collectors.

There will be coaching sessions and ensemble playing. The general aim is to stimulate enthusiasm for the instrument whilst having fun.

The nineth happening of this biennial event will again be hosted by Nigel Nathan and his wife Thelma Griffiths at Boswedden House in the far west of Cornwall (the closest we can get in England to our friends in the USA!). Phil Humphries of, amongst other things, the The London Serpent Trio and the Mellstock Band, will once more be at hand to guide our musical meanderings.

Complete beginners are welcome; also players of related instruments such as the ophicleide, bass horn, Russian bassoon and the early cimbasso. The programme will include coaching at all levels, playing in small groups, and the ritual performance of some of the large-scale pieces that have been written for such occasions. The London Serpent Trio library, a large collection of arrangements, and pieces written specially for the group by composers including Simon Proctor, Judith Weir, and P.D.Q. Bach, will be there for the plundering. If possible - and desirable - arrangements will be made for a public performance.

The Serpentarium spans the U.K.’s late Spring Bank Holiday weekend and the U.S.A.'s Memorial Day weekend. It starts with dinner at 6pm on Friday 27^th May, but you are welcome to arrive any time before that and hang out or explore. It supposedly finishes at tea time on Monday 30^th May, although in 2009 we ended with an evening concert and everyone stayed on at least one extra night. It would be good to do the same again.

The Serpentarium will be residential with space for 14-16 in the house, a camping option and overflow accommodation nearby. Since this is a holiday weekend, this latter may not be available for late bookers who may therefore be forced to camp – so book early! Most rooms will be shared. If you have a world-class snore, or other unsocial habits, we can let you have our only single room – first come, first served. If you want a double room with your partner, let us know. 

The total cost is £225 (£165 for campers) for the three days, all found. Non-playing partners £180. A £60/$100/€70 booking deposit secures a place.

For those of you who would like to make a longer holiday of it in order to explore this beautiful and fascinating part of the world, you will be welcome to come early/stay on as regular B&B guests (at £32 per night).

Do come and be part of another convivial Serpentarium.