Alphorn players gather from all over UK for first Play Day in West Berkshire

ELEVEN players from all over the country turned up for the first ever Alphorn PlayDay on Sunday (June 2) at Downe House school in Cold Ash.

It was organised by UK Alpine Horn expert Frances Jones, from Reading, who has been teaching alphorn and coaching on courses in Austria and Switzerland for 15 years, and has a wealth of experience with the world of authentic alphorn music.

Dr Jones said: “There are a lot of people in the UK who own an alphorn now, so I thought it would be lovely to create an opportunity for people to meet and enjoy playing their alphorns together”.

“It was an idyllic location, feeling remarkably like a stunning Swiss monastery.

“The weather was perfect and we were able to play outside, where the alphorn belongs, both all together and in smaller groups too.

“We had the most wonderful time, and for the second half of the afternoon, guests were invited to come to listen and enjoy the unique experience too.”

Participants and audience alike are all hoping that this will now be an annual event.

Dr Jones is enthusiastic about the magical feeling that the alphorn engenders in all who play and hear it.

“I wanted to bring that experience to UK alphorn owners who have not necessarily had the chance to play in ensembles in the Alps or to discover the native language of the instrument. The alphorn is part of the natural world, with a unique repertoire and style of playing. Whenever you hear an alphorn, it transports you straight to an idyllic mountain landscape.”

Originally used for calling the cows in the mountains, its sound is now thought of as the voice of the mountains themselves.

“It is a unique, haunting and unforgettable sound,” added Dr Jones.