MAKING MUSIC IN HUNT COUNTRY

October 1, 2005, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy a day in the Virginia countryside filled with fine music, music makers, musical instruments in the making, huntsmen, and scholarship!

Our day in Virginia hunt country begins at Tom and Barbara Wolf's Studio in the crossroads village of The Plains. A member of one of the famous local hunts, demonstrating hunting horn signals, will greet you. Inside the studio,we will learn about the art of making fine musical instruments.

The Wolfs are internationally known for producing the finest period-style keyboard instruments. You will have the rare opportunity to hear some of these prized pieces demonstrated in a short concert. Kenneth Slowik, Artistic Director of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society, will share with the group the latest scholarship that has revealed the secrets of the Stradivarius strings owned by the Smithsonian.

From The Plains, the party moves to nearby Upperville, a short drive over country roads to Roy and Lila Ash's Llangollen Farm perched in the shadow of the Blue Ridge. The Ashes have kindly provided their magnificent show barn as the site of our lunch and concert by the Smithsonian's Axelrod Quartet. Following a sumptuous seated lunch, this august ensemble will perform pieces by Arriaga and Beethoven.

The Wolfs' studio is located on Main Street in The Plains, Virignia, about 45 minutes west of the Kennedy Center. Go out Route 66 to The Plains Exit. Turn right towards The Plains. At the Stop sign in The Plains, turn left, cross the railroad tracks and go to the third building on the right. Directions to Llangollen will be given out at the Wolfs.

This benefit for the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society is $200 per person with $150 of that amount going directly to support the Society's season of performances. Please make checks payable to the Friends of Music at the Smithsonian. Mail checks to:

The Friends of Music at the Smithsonian

Smithsonian Institution POB 37012

NMAH 4100, MRC 616

Washington, DC 20013-7012