Classical music mornings at Godinton House & Gardens

The mellow sounds of classical music are set to bring warmth to the winter months at Godinton House & Gardens, near Ashford.

Charlotte Spruit Photo: Marco Borggreve

For the second year, Godinton House has teamed up with the Young Classical Artists Trust (YCAT) for two Sunday morning concerts – with violinist Charlotte Spruit’s recital on January 26 and pianist Ignas Maknickas on February 23.

YCAT supports talented young musicians in their transition from completing musical studies to taking their first steps as professional performers which combines with Godinton House Charitable Trust’s emphasis on education and learning.

House Manager Chloe West says these concerts are ‘very much in keeping’ with the music enjoyed by the last owner of Godinton House & Gardens, Alan Wyndham Green.

She said: “Alan was a huge supporter of music and opera so we are really looking forward to welcoming Charlotte and Ignas to play in our historic Great Hall to help them widen their experience.

“The recitals start at 11am followed by refreshments and there will be an opportunity to talk to the artists.”

Charlotte Spruit

 The January 26 concert features YCAT violinist Charlotte Spruit, from the Netherlands, who was nominated as a 2024 Rising Star Artist by Classic FM.

Her programme of music at Godinton will include H.I. Franz Von Biber: Passacaglia in G minor, for Violin Solo; J. Widmann: Etude for solo violin no 3 and J. S. Bach: Partita no 2 in D minor, BWV 1004.

A former Guildhall School of Music student, Charlotte is a keen chamber musician and soloist and has performed at Wigmore Hall in London and the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Ignas Maknickas

Born in California and raised in Lithuania, pianist Ignas Maknickas is now based in London.

His recital at Godinton will feature three composers and Ignas will play Schubert Sonata in A major, D. 664; Carl Vine 5 Bagatelles and Chopin Polonaise-Fantasie Op. 61.

Ignas completed his Bachelor, Master of Arts programmes and Advanced Diploma Programme at the Royal Academy of Music on full scholarship under Professor Joanna MacGregor CBE, and is holder of the Aud Jebsen Piano Fellowship. He was winner of the 2024 Award for Keyboard at the Royal Overseas League Annual Music Competition.

Book tickets
Tickets cost £30 and are available at godintonhouse.co.uk or call 01233 643854.