Suite 2 Third Floor Bishop’s Lynn House 18 Tuesday Market
Place King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1JW Tel: 01553 767557
www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk
PRESS RELEASE
www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk/press
<date>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Musician and composer Dr Charles Burney was treated as a “pop idol” of the day when
he lived and worked in King’s Lynn in the 18th century but his influence continues to
underline the town’s position on the cultural map.
The 200th anniversary of Burney’s death is being marked by a special Charles Burney Day
on July 19 during next month’s King’s Lynn Festival.
Lynn historian Dr Paul Richards, who is leading special Burney-themed walks around the
town centre, is very aware of the many visitors attracted to Lynn to learn more about
Burney’s nine years in the town during which he was organist at St Margaret’s Church.
“Burney’s celebrity status draws attention to the town and this year’s anniversary is
attracting visitors from all over the region and further afield,” Dr Richards said.
“Because of his celebrity status Lynn merchants wanted Burney to teach their daughters
to play the harpsichord and further attention was drawn to Lynn when he commissioned
the Snetzler organ at St Margaret’s. His first concert playing it was reported in the
London papers,” he said.
This history related to visitors against the background of Lynn’s Georgian streets
continues to intrigue tourists and two Festival concerts and a talk will celebrate a
personality who has a significant place in Lynn’s rich history.
Peter Sabor, a world authority on Burney who is professor of English at McGill
University, Montreal, will give an illustrated lecture on Burney and, in particular, his
friendship with Dr Johnson. The talk will be given at St George’s Guildhall on Saturday
July 19.
At 7pm in the Minster (St Margaret’s Church) that evening The English Concert,
recognised as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world, will perform music
President: HRH The Duke of Kent KG Vice-Presidents: The Mayor of the Borough of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Dr. David Starkey, Freddy Kempf, Mary Roche
King’s Lynn Festival Ltd Registered Office: Suite 2 Third Floor, Bishop’s Lynn House, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1JW
Registered in England No. 3468735 Registered Charity No. 1066819
Suite 2 Third Floor Bishop’s Lynn House 18 Tuesday Market
Place King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1JW Tel: 01553 767557
www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk
PRESS RELEASE
www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk/press
which traces Burney’s travels around Europe while he was gathering material for his
book, The General History of Music, which brought him international fame.
And at 9.30pm renowned organist John Butt will give an organ recital on the Snetzler
organ. The programme will include music by Burney.
The Festival is also supporting an exhibition about the “Brilliant Burney family” in the
Custom House.
For more information visit www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk, call the box office on 01553764864 or call the Festival office on 01553-767557.
Editors Notes:
For more information visit www.kingslynnfestival.org.uk,
e-mail info@kingslynnfestival.org.uk or call the festival office on 01553-767557.
President: HRH The Duke of Kent KG Vice-Presidents: The Mayor of the Borough of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Dr. David Starkey, Freddy Kempf, Mary Roche
King’s Lynn Festival Ltd Registered Office: Suite 2 Third Floor, Bishop’s Lynn House, 18 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn Norfolk PE30 1JW
Registered in England No. 3468735 Registered Charity No. 1066819