Following the long, winding drive to Garth Newel Music Center in Warm Springs, Virginia. "Garth Newel" is a Welsh phrase meaning "new hearth" or "new home," and was the name given to this unique property in the 1920s by William Sergeant Kendall and his young bride Christine Herter Kendall.
William Kendall was a well-known painter, whose works are in a number of
important museum collections. He resigned his position as chairman of
the School of Fine Arts at Yale University and built Garth Newel in 1924
where the couple trained and rode fine Arabian horses, painted, and
enjoyed musical evenings in their home with friends. Unfortunately Mr.
Kendall suffered serious riding accidents in 1931 and 1937. He never
recovered from the latter and died in February of 1938 at the age of 69.
Christine Herter Kendall was born in 1890 and grew up in New York City
in a family devoted to the arts. Her first cousin was Christian Herter,
Secretary of State in the Eisenhower Administration. Her early life in
this prominent family shaped her career as an accomplished artist,
musician, and patron of the arts. Christine studied the violin as a
child and her family spent many evenings playing chamber music together.
She went on to study painting in Paris and then at Yale. She continued
to paint throughout her life and many of her paintings hang here at
Garth Newel.
Following her husband’s death, Christine donated much of the property to
the Girl Scouts of America to be used as a summer camp. The Girl Scouts
found that it was too much to maintain, so she regained possession in
1969 and began to search for another use.
A mutual friend arranged for Christine to meet Luca and Arlene DiCecco,
who at the time were cellist and violinist of the Rowe String Quartet.
At Christine’s urging the DiCeccos began a chamber music study program
for their students in the summer of 1973, and the Rowe Quartet began
giving concerts on the property. Christine arranged for repairs to
long-abandoned buildings, including the conversion of the indoor riding
ring where the Arabian horses had once trained into a wonderful concert
hall.
Christine died in June 1981, bequeathing the property and a modest fund
to the Garth Newel Music Center Foundation. The DiCeccos devoted
themselves to the continued development of the Music Center and it grew
from a season of a half-dozen concerts in the mid-70s to more than 50
today. In addition to playing the violin, Arlene used her talents as
chef to add gourmet meals to the concerts. Overnight accommodations in
the Manor House, as well as the beautiful scenery, complete an aesthetic
experience that is second to none.
After 25 years of artistry and indefatigable effort the DiCeccos
retired. Their vision lives on through world-class music and gourmet
food, offered in a beautiful setting and welcoming atmosphere. The Garth
Newel Music Center looks to its patrons, artists, staff, and volunteers
to continue their legacy into a new era.
At Garth Newel Music Center, music is the key that
unlocks a world of experience. From classical to jazz and more, inspired
music-making is just the beginning. Shared gourmet meals, the
exquisite Bath County setting, and some of the most interesting people
you’ll ever meet make each visit a one-of-a-kind experience.
Garth Newel's Piano Quarter will be celebrating the music center's 40th anniversary by performing at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, November 9, 2013. Tickets are now on sale.
Click here for more information.
The Piano Quarter is known for high-energy performances, virtuosity, and offering fresh insight into both standard and new repertoire. Their concerts are informal, conversational, and interactive. As artists-in-residence at Garth Newel Music Center, one of the premiere and most active chamber music organizations in the United States, they perform over 50 concerts each year.
Spend an entire weekend and enjoy all that Garth Newel Music
Center has to offer. Their 1920s Manor House has tastefully decorated,
comfortable rooms that are just a short stroll from the Concert Hall.
On most weekends there are no specified check-in or check-out times. Continental breakfast each morning.
Lodging details.
Garth Newel Music Center has a long tradition of culinary excellence
paired with inspiring performances. After many concerts,
resident chef Josh Elliott prepares a meal served right in the concert
hall. The musicians join the audience in sharing good food and great
company.
Sample dinner menu.
Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
October 24, 2013
