After a magnificent start to our tenth year in January, our Spring Series continues in celebratory style over the coming months:
Saturday 19th February, 8pm
Holywell Music Room
The wonderful mezzo-soprano Ciara Hendrick, who last appeared for Oxford Lieder in a memorable performance of Schumann's Myrthen in 2006, returns with an attractive programme built around two great poets; Eichendorff and Hugo. The first half featuresSchumann's Liederkreis, Op. 39, the only one of his major cycles not featured last year in our various 150th-anniversary celebrations. Two of Schumann's other settings of Eichendorff will be performed, as well as two songs by Adolf Jensen (with texts that also appear in the Liederkreis), a much-neglected romantic song composer who was greatly influenced by Schumann.
After the interval, we hear settings of Victor Hugo by Fauré, the undisputed master of French song, and Widor, whose fine songs are often overlooked. The programme ends with settings of Hugo by Franz Liszt, whose 200th anniversary falls this year. We will be hearing many more of his extraordinary songs over the course of 2011; amongst these are many masterpieces, not considered characteristic of the great virtuoso, but in fact some of his most imaginative writing. (Please note that the premiere of a new work by a current Oxford Music student will now take place at the Festival in October).
Eight 45-minute recitals take place over the course of the day; pick one or two to come along to, or hear all eight of the outstanding short-listed duos. Renowned duo Ian and Jennifer Partridge will be adjudicating. You can book in advance or simply turn up on the day.
Other forthcoming events:
The next of our recitals performing and recording the complete songs of Hugo Wolf takes place on Friday 6th May, with a fantastic pair of singers, Geraldine McGreevy and Mark Stone, performing Wolf’s most enduringly popular cycle, his Italienisches Liederbuch. In June (25th) the emerging star soprano Rahaela Papadakis performs Schubert, Poulenc, Adés and Schoenberg. Tickets to all these concerts are on sale now from Tickets Oxford: www.ticketsoxford.com / 01865 305305.
The Lieder Festival (14th-29th October) is now in an advanced stage of planning and it is going to be a spectacular year. Much to look forward to before then though; we look forward to welcoming you to the Holywell Music Room and some outstanding concerts..