Spring Series - 'Spread a Little Happiness' (Daneman/Mulligan)

"Spread a Little Happiness"

Songs from the '20s & '30s by Noel Coward, Ivor Novello & Billy Mayerl and others

Acclaimed soprano Sophie Daneman joins with pianist Simon Mulligan in a light-hearted programme of music from the '20s and '30s. Songs of the likes of Noel Coward and Ivor Novello will be well known to many; Billy Mayerl is perhaps less of a household name today but was hugely popular in the mid-twentieth century. Placed in this context, some of the lighter songs of Benjamin Britten and William Walton show the ease with which these "serious" composers entered into the more popular culture of their era.

Both of today's artists are renowned for their versatile musicianship. Sophie Daneman has appeared on many of the world's leading operatic stages, and has a particularly strong association with Les Arts Florissants and William Christie. She is also in demand as a recitalist, and appeared on several occasions at the Oxford Lieder Festival, recording the first "Oxford Lieder Live" CD with Julius Drake in 2006. Simon Mulligan is equally at home as a classical soloist and chamber musician (he played for the last recital given by Yehudi Menuhin) and as a jazz pianist with a successful and innovative quartet. He is also a composer and arranger.

Originally devised for a BBC concert at LSO St Luke's in London, this programme is a perfect way to pass any Sunday afternoon, but is especially attractive today, St Valentine's Day.

Supported by Jesus College and the Kohn Foundation.