Chetham's Library and School of Music is among the popular tourist destinations in Manchester, frequented by book worms and music-lovers across the world. Chetham's Library and School of Music include an age-old library founded in 1653 and a specialist music school, which is the largest in the United Kingdom.
School of Music at Chetham's
Chetham's Music School is intrinsic to the rich cultural heritage of north-western Britain. The school building is more than 600 years old, displaying unique architectural patterns. Practicing music in the Baronial Hall amidst beautifully-decorated surroundings is indeed an experience on the part of the pupils.
With a convenient central location, Chetham's School of Music is known for organizing dynamic musical programs in collaboration with the prominent cultural venues of Manchester. The total student strength of the school is 290, ranging from 8 to 18 years of age. These students perform in a number of national and international programs like the BBC Proms in the Park, the BBC Radio 3 and in the exhibitions of Manchester Museum. Chetham's jazz musicians give regular performances in important musical shows in and around Manchester. Its two Big Bands are frequent winners of national prizes. Music are also composed by the talented Chetham students for programs organized by British Art Show. Recently, the Chetham's Music School share its urban location with the Bridgewater Hall, the BBC Philharmonic orchestras, the Royal Northern College of Music and the Hallé.
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Library at Chetham's
The Chetham's Library was the meeting place of Karl Marx and Engels at the time of Marx's visits to Manchester. Marx's economics books exist on the library shelves even today. Ever since its inception in 1653, Chetham's Library operates as the oldest public library on the British Isles. Chetham's Library is an autonomous and charitable organization throwing open its doors for readers of all ages. Entrance to the library is complimentary for all, between 9.00 A.M. to 12.30 A.M. and 1.30 P.M. to 4.30 P.M. from Mondays to Fridays, except on public and bank holidays.
The architectural styles and furnishings of Chetham's Library are reminiscent of numerous Cambridge and Oxford college libraries especially the St. John's and Merton Colleges in Oxford. Originally, the library was housed in the first two floors of the building. The library's Reading Room situated in the southern part, contains the best quality furniture. At the center of the room there is a large wooden table and several leather backed chairs surrounding it. The tranquil ambiance of the reading room facilitates extensive studying. The collection of books in the Chetham's Library is more than 60,000, including rich and rare collections of 16th and 17th century journals, treatises, local history books, periodicals and manuscripts.
Today, Chetham's Library and School of Music in Manchester has assumed the status of a well-known museum in the city welcoming native and foreign tourists from all corners of United Kingdom and the globe.
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