The Story of English Song

Benjamin Britten’s cycle of Thomas Hardy settings, Winter Words, forms the focus of this study day in which Katy Hamilton also explores Britten’s place within the English song tradition. From parlour ballads of the late nineteenth century to contemporary works for voice and piano, this is a chance to discover the story of English song over the last 150 years – and the vital role of Britten in its development. The talk will be illustrated with live performances by former Oxford Song Young Artists Rosie Lavery and Anna Michels, who will perform songs from the first few decades of the twentieth century and excerpts from Winter Words ahead of Mark Padmore's performance of the full cycle later in the day. Katy Hamilton will also be joined in conversation by Harriet Burns, Ian Tindale and Mark Padmore.