“… what do you get if you speed-date composers from northern colleges with local poets? The answer is ‘A Leeds Songbook’, an inspiring portrait of the city and its inhabitants across the centuries. The atmosphere was relaxed but the buzz was electric…” (Clive Paget, ‘The Guardian’, June 2023).
The Erda Ensemble
Marta Fontanals-Simmons mezzo-soprano
Chloë Vincent flute
Olivia Jageurs harp
Roderick Williams OBE baritone
Andrew West piano
Following on from the exoticism heard in today’s lunchtime concert and subsequently explored in our afternoon study event, tonight’s recital culminates in a heady mix of well-known, and hidden gems brought together under the banner “A touch of exotic”. Schubert and Wolf rub shoulders with Sally Beamish, a past featured composer at Leeds Lieder. Roderick Williams and Andrew West have a special rapport and way of introducing song to audiences and this promises to be a highlight of the festival.
Russian American Soprano, Erika Baikoff, a recent graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Programme, is amassing a loyal following at major musical centres across the globe, including at Houston Grand Opera, Bayerisches Staatsopera and in recitals at the Alice Tully Hall New York, Wigmore Hall and at Schubertiade Schwarzenberg.
Alongside her duo partner Camille Lemonnier, she will demonstrate the interesting threads that can be drawn between jewels by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov.
Florian Boesch bass-baritone
Joseph Middleton piano
Joining Leeds Lieder Director, Joseph Middleton, Florian Boesch makes a welcome return to the Festival to perform the cycle that he has very much made his own. Reviewing recent performances, the Guardian described Boesch as ‘unquestionably superb’, Gramophone Magazine commenting that he is ‘inspired and quite unforgettable…remarkable and always affecting.’
Come and support the newly-formed Bring and Sing! Chorus, alongside the Leeds Lieder Young Artists, as they perform Fauré’s evocative Requiem, under the expert direction of television’s popular choirmaster, Gareth Malone.
Patricia Nolz mezzo-soprano
Joseph Middleton piano
Join us on April 26th at 18:30 at the stunning St George’s Church for ’Our precious concert’ – one of our most beloved and best-selling programmes!
Experience the majestic and timeless music of the legendary Lord of the Rings films in a breathtaking concert that will transport audiences straight into the heart of Tolkien’s universe. Howard Shore’s iconic soundtrack has captivated millions worldwide, and now, we bring it to you!
For the tenth year, we welcome back the Leeds Conservatoire semi-finalists to compete for £500 and their own solo, prizewinning recital at Seven Arts, Chapel Allerton.
Watch the seven pianists navigate the challenges of their chosen repertoire as they battle head-to-head to win this coveted prize.
If you would like to spend a Sunday afternoon listening to beautiful classical piano music, for free, in an intimate setting whilst supporting Leeds upcoming talent, why not come along. This event is open to all.
Semi-Finals Schedule
Join us back at the Brudenell as we celebrate all things piano to mark the tenth edition of Piano Day. Expect a typically varied and captivating evening of live music centred around the piano, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s piano music; for everyone.