A centenary concert is being held on Friday to celebrate the life of a remarkable composer buried in Hampsthwaite.
Amy Woodforde-Finden’s music was much sought-after at the turn of the last century but her reputation fell into obscurity following her death in 1919.
Her Kashmiri Love Song inspired films, novels and even perfumes. Rudolph Valentino recorded the song in 1923.
A white marble recumbent memorial to Amy was unveiled in St Thomas a Becket Church on April 15, 1923. On the same day, the vicar’s daughter Geraldine Peck sang White Sentinels.
Amy’s marble memorial in Hampsthwaite
Thomas Flessenkaemper, the former director of music for the benefice of Hampsthwaite, Killinghall and Birstwith, returned to Hampsthwaite on Saturday for a re-enactment of the unveiling exactly 100 years on.
The German composer and pianist, who started the Amy Woodforde-Finden Music Festival last year before suddenly leaving his post, and soprano Tilly Eustace-Forrest performed while a wreath of white irises was placed on the tomb.
Saturday’s memorial event
Mr Flessenkaemper and the mezzo-soprano Patricia Hammond will join local musicians to perform Amy’s songs in a concert at Hampsthwaite’s Memorial Hall on Friday.
The Kashmiri Love Song is among the songs on the programme.
The event will have the informal feel of an Edwardian soirée type event with wine and canapés at candle-lit tables. Tickets cost £8 and can be booked here.
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New Harrogate music festival in doubt after row with vicar
A new music festival in the Harrogate district faces an uncertain future after the sudden departure of the man who made it happen.
German composer and pianist Thomas Flessenkaemper organised the first Amy Woodforde-Finden Music Festival in Hampsthwaite last month.
The ambitious two-day event, celebrating the work of composer Amy Woodforde-Finden, who is buried in Hampsthwaite’s village church, was a success.
This led to hopes the festival would become an annual event, promoting the work of Amy and other female composers, as well as engaging local artists and schools.
But Mr Flessenkaemper has resigned from his position as director of music for the benefice of Hampsthwaite, Killinghall and Birstwith.
The Stray Ferret understands he did so following a disagreement with Suzy McCarter, the vicar of Hampsthwaite with Felliscliffe, Killinghall and Birstwith.
Revd Suzy McCarter
The Venerable Jonathan Gough, Archdeacon of Richmond and Craven, did not respond to questions about a fallout when contacted by the Stray Ferret.
He said Mr Flessenkaemper had taken up a new post at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity in Gibraltar, adding:
“The success of the festival was largely due to Mr Flessenkaemper’s inspiration, leadership and commitment.
“Worshippers in the benefice are very grateful to Mr Flessenkaemper for his great contribution to the life of the churches and the villages since his appointment earlier this year.
“They are sad to see him go, but they recognise that a musician of his calibre will need to develop his musical career in a larger setting, and they wish him every success in his new post at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Gibraltar.
“The Parochial Church Councils will consider future plans for the Amy Woodforde-Finden Music Festival in the New Year.”
Mr Flessenkaemper declined to comment when contacted by the Stray Ferret.
Amy Woodforde-Finden’s tomb in St Thomas a’Becket church in Hampsthwaite.
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New music festival celebrates remarkable composer buried in Hampsthwaite
An ambitious new two-day music festival in a small Harrogate village began last night.
The Amy Woodforde-Finden Music Festival was created to promote a female composer who is buried in Hampsthwaite.
About 70 people attended a recital of her songs at St Thomas a Becket Church, featuring London mezzo-soprano Patricia Hammond.
A guided tour of Amy’s Hampsthwaite this morning will be followed by a concluding concert this evening featuring two baritones and talented local musicians at St Thomas a Becket.
It is hoped the festival will become an annual event, promoting the work of Amy and other female composers, as well as engaging local artists and schools.
Amy’s music was much sought-after at the turn of the last century but her reputation fell into obscurity following her death in 1919.
Amy Woodforde-Finden’s tomb
Her tomb in St Thomas a Becket Church attracted little attention for a century until the German composer and pianist Thomas Flessenkaemper was appointed director of music for the benefice of Hampsthwaite, Killinghall and Birstwith.
Mr Flessenkaemper noticed the tomb during his interview for the role and when he took up the position he became curious. He said:
“I set out to track down this extraordinary artistic personality. I quickly realised that I had struck gold and read everything I could find about Amy Woodforde-Finden.”
He became “completely drunk on the colourfulness of her musical language” and set about establishing a festival to promote her work.
St Thomas a Becket Church last night
Mr Flessenkaemper accompanied Ms Hammond at last night’s recital, the highlight of which was Amy’s four-song Indian Love Lyrics.
The programme notes included a supportive quote from international pianist Stephen Hough, who said he “immediately fell in love with the alluring melodies, the exotic harmonies and the ultra-sentimental words” of Amy’s music.
A video set to Amy’s music featuring Hampsthwaite is available here.
Tickets for this evening’s concert are available here and at the church door tonight.
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