Speak to an expert
020 7593 2288

Open 9 - 6 Mon to Thu, 9 - 5:30 Fri & 9 - 1 Sat

Kirker Music Festival at The Grand, Eastbourne

England 3 nights Price from £1,398 per person
Departs: 12 Jun 2023
Departs: 12 Jun 2023

View all dates »

Described by the 11th Duke of Devonshire as ‘the jewel in Eastbourne’s splendid crown’, The Grand enjoys a majestic position in this elegant seaside resort, which was developed by the Cavendish family in the late 19th century and is the perfect home for our new exclusive music festival. It is a benchmark of comfort and style from that romantic period, more reminiscent of the grand hotels of the capitals of central Europe than of the English coast.

 

 

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne

The 5 star Grand Hotel overlooks the English Channel, a short walk from the centre of Eastbourne and from Devonshire Park and the Towner Art Gallery. It has spacious public lounges, restaurants and bars, and an impressive spa with indoor pool, gym, solarium and treatment rooms. Free use of the spa’s facilities is included. Our concerts will be held in the Compton Room. Bedrooms are comfortable and well appointed. You can choose between an inland facing room or a room with a sea view.

 

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) at the Grand

A certain M. et Mme. Claude Debussy checked into the Grand Hotel on 24 July 1905 but in truth the guests were M. Debussy and his mistress, Emma Bardac, not his wife. Emma was an accomplished singer and married to a rich financier. They had left Paris to avoid the final judgement in Debussy’s divorce from the real Mme. Debussy. News of the divorce settlement, which went against the composer, together with acerbic observations from the judge, came through to them on 2 August. The couple stayed on in Eastbourne until 30 August. Debussy corrected the score of his masterpiece, La mer, while at the Grand – a perfect location for such work. His stay in Eastbourne played no part in the history of La mer but while in Eastbourne he did compose ‘Reflets dans  l’eau’, part of his Images pour piano.

 

What's included

...when you travel with Kirker

  • Three nights' accommodation with breakfast
  • Three dinners
  • All concerts and talks as described
  • The services of the Kirker Tour Leader and local guide

Departure Dates and Prices

12 Jun 2023

Status Available

Price from£1398

Single Supp.£264

Book Now Enquire

Included Hotels

Located on the promenade with magnificent views of the English Channel, the 'White Palace' was once a popular destination for Victorians seeking the health benefits of the bracing sea air. Famous former guests include Winston Churchill and Claude Debussy, who corrected the score of his masterpiece, La mer, while in residence.

karski 2.jpg

The Karski Quartet

String Quartet

More Info
Simon Roland-Jones

Simon Rowland-Jones

Viola, Composer & Kirker Music Director

More Info
Barry Cheeseman

Barry Cheeseman

Cultural Tours Senior Executive

barry.cheeseman@kirkerholidays.com

More Info

Music Programme

The Karski Quartet


12 June

Schubert: String Quartet in E flat, D87
Beethoven: String Quartet in A minor Op.132 


13 June

Mozart; String Quartet in D minor K421
Dvorak: Terzetto Op.74
Debussy: String Quartet


14 June

Haydn String Quartet in B flat, Op.64 No.3
Beethoven: String Quartet in A Op.18 No.5
Bacewicz: String Quartet No.4

One of the most distinguished musical figures in Poland in the first half of the 20th century, Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) won international recognition for her many compositions which include chamber works orchestral pieces. She was also an outstanding violinist and led the Polish Radio Orchestra for many years before devoting her time to her own compositions. She studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris and taught at the State Conservatoire of Music in Łódź.

Explore the local area

To make an enquiry please speak to one of our experts on 020 7593 2288, or enquire online

Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.

Vienna