It’s occupied a prominent position next to Twickenham Stadium for over 160 years and over 20,000 musicians have passed through its ornamental doors, now you have a chance to hear the colourful stories from the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall…
Thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Museum of Army Music and Richmond Council, Veterans’ charity the Legasee Educational Trust is currently exploring the history of Kneller Hall and examining the importance of music to the military effort.
Featuring the filmed oral accounts of 40 veterans and military personnel who trained or worked at the school, the project will also record the numerous bugle calls that have been used for vital military communication over hundreds of years.
Local school children are helping with educational lesson plans, which will sit alongside the filmed resources on the Legasee Educational Trust website for future generations to learn from, and the activity will culminate in a spectacular public concert to be held at Kneller Hall in Summer 2019.
Martin Bisker, Founder and Chair of the Legasee Educational Trust said: “Musicians from the Royal Military School of Music have played a vital role at our greatest state occasions and also in the heat of combat around the world. We have been astonished by some of the incredible tales that have come out of Kneller Hall and are thrilled to be able to share them with people in the local area.”
Esther Mann, Curator, Museum of Army Music said: “The Museum of Army Music is very proud of its position in the heart of the Richmond Borough and we are delighted to be able to extend our resources and our stories and take them into the community for even more people to enjoy”.
Wednesday 20th February at 7pm in Whitton Library, 141 Nelson Rd, Twickenham TW2 7BB
Martin Bisiker will explore the 160-year history of military music at Kneller Hall in Whitton. See videos of veteran musicians telling their stories from the pomp and pageantry of state occasions to frontline army duties across the world. Hear how military musicianship has changed throughout history, and discover the significant part that Kneller Hall has played in that.
Discover more about the Museum of Army Music at Kneller Hall and the work of Legasee with veterans of many conflicts across our armed forces. Entry is free with adults and children welcome. No tickets required, just turn up at the event.
Wednesday 27th February at OSO Arts Centre, 49 Station Road, Barnes, SW13 0LF
At this special event, Legasee founder Martin Bisiker will present a slice of life at the institution through the eyes of the countless musicians who have studied there, followed by a musical performance from the saxophone ensemble Court Way Sax and a chance to meet veterans and hosts.
The event echoes a melodious tradition dating back to the early 20th Century of junior musicians entertaining their officers in the lounge at Kneller Hall. Doors open at 1900 for a 1930 start. Ticket price £20, to include refreshments.
