The Sounding Chamber Sessions

A family of three sitting in camping chairs enjoying a live performance at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire — Live performance of 'The Secret Garden' at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire | © National Trust / John Millar

Join us for a series of mid-week mini concerts outside Cliveden's historic Sounding Chamber. Enjoy classical chamber music performed by the Upstart Violyns; specialists in the 17th century Baroque period, when Cliveden House was first built. Or discover jazz classics, reminiscent of Cliveden’s 1920s heyday as home of the Astor family, performed by The Gershwin Gang.

All performances are free, but standard admission charges apply.

Monday 1, Tuesday 2, and Thursday 4 July - Baroque chamber music with the Upstart Violyns.

Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 July - jazz classics with The Gershwin Gang.

There will be four performances each day, at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. Each performance will last approximately 40 minutes.

The Sounding Chamber sits at the back of the House beneath the South Terrace and boasts far-reaching views over Cliveden’s iconic Parterre. It is a 20-minute walk from the main car park, accessible on hard paths meandering past some of Cliveden’s most beautiful gardens. Stop by the rose garden on your way and enjoy the sweet scent and riot of colour provided by over 900 roses.

The history of the Sounding Chamber

Cliveden has been a place for performance and entertaining ever since the first house was built for George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham in the 1600s. The historic Sounding Chamber is one of the oldest spaces on the estate and as part of the South Terrace, the last remaining element of Buckingham's original house. Its construction, featuring an elliptical domed ceiling, allows for remarkable acoustics which supports the theory that the rooms were built for musical performance.

Classical baroque chamber music performed by The Upstart Violyns

A newly formed quartet, the Upstart Violyns are specialists in 17^th century music, and perform using instruments authentic to the Baroque period, such as the lute and the viola de gamba. Their programme is designed to reflect the type of music that the 2^nd Duke of Buckingham may have heard in the court of Charles II, and music which could well have been played at Cliveden when it was first built.

Jazz classics performed by the Gershwin Gang

The Gershwin Gang trio specialise in songs from the American jazz era. Their programme will include a mix of traditional 1920/30’s jazz and swing classics, as well as modern songs in a classic jazz style.

Planning your visit

The Sounding Chamber Sessions are running on Monday 1, Tuesday 2, Thursday 4, Tuesday 9, and Thursday 11 July.
Performances will run at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm (each performance will last approximately 40 minutes).
No booking necessary, free event but normal property admission price applies (free for National Trust members).
Gardens are open from 9.30am – 5.30pm (last entry is 5pm).
The closest toilets and baby changing facilities are accessible from the Conservatory Café.
The closes food outlet is the Conservatory Café which sells hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks and has indoor and outdoor seating. Open from 10am – 5pm.
The Sounding Chamber is approximately 20-minute walk from the main car park. It is accessible on hard paths and gravel surfaces. Step-free access routes are available.
Cliveden's visitor shuttle bus is available upon request at the Information Centre.
Limited casual seating will be available, and you are welcome to bring your own.