AN early keyboard instrument, known as a virginal, which has been kept at Warrington Museum for more than 100 years, was restored for a recital of music composed by local students.
The instrument, which dates from 1684 was played by musician Bernard Robinson to play music composed by students from Lymm High School.
It was the first time it had been played for more than 30 years.
The virginal – which is similar to a harpsichord, will be displayed in Warrington Museum and Art Gallery’s new Heritage Lottery funded Cabinet of Curiosities gallery which opens next month.
It has been painstakingly restored at the studios of Malcolm Rose in Sussex and Vanessa Andrew in Birkenhead.
Its sound has been recorded to bring it to life in the new gallery.
The students who wrote the compositions were inspired to write their own music after attending a recital at Tabley, near Knutsford, back in July. The project also aimed to give them hands-on experience of the instrument ahead of a programme of study.
The new Cabinet of Curiosities gallery is to open on Friday, January 24.
Janice Hayes, manager of Warrington Museum and Art Gallery said: “The restoration of the virginal has really benefited the students with their studies. We look forward to showcasing the instrument in the new Cabinet of Curiosities gallery.”
Music for 300-year-old instrument
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
