Students of Michelle Nolan O’Driscoll’s Speech and Drama Senior Class travelled to the Lake District where they visited the houses of William Wordsworth, Dove Cottage in Grasmere and Rydalmount in Ambleside. From there they travelled across the Coniston River to the home of poet, composer, social revolutionist and conversationist John Ruskin. On learning that this group of visitors were students of the Royal Irish Academy of Music the curator asked if the students would perform for them as Ruskin was also a pianist /composer and piano music would be lovely in the Brantwood again. The students performed on Ruskin’s favourite piano (one of eight in his drawing room). The request turned into a mini recital as all the visitors in the house at the time gathered around to enjoy the unexpected treat. Back from Brantwood the tour travelled and concluded in Windemere. In all eleven places of interest in connection with Beatrix Potter were visited. One of the students Helen McCormack performed a piece from ‘Beatrix Potter’ in Beatrix’s study at Hilltop.
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