Bliss Song Series Opening Season Recital

Véronique Gens, soprano
Joseph Middleton, piano

"A perfect recital… what more could you ask for?" ★★★★★
"Exponents of French song do not come any more distinguished than Véronique Gens…"
"Their partnership was as impressive as you'd expect…"
— MusicOMH

One of France's most celebrated sopranos, Véronique Gens enjoys an international career spanning opera, concerts, recitals and recordings. Renowned as one of the finest interpreters of Mozart and the French repertoire, she was named Gramophone Artist of the Year 2023 in recognition of her exceptional artistry and distinguished career.

She is joined by pianist Joseph Middleton, hailed by the New York Times as "the perfect accompanist." Together they bring a programme of exquisite French mélodie, exploring the rich poetic and musical worlds of Fauré, Debussy, Duparc, Hahn and Poulenc.

Programme

Gabriel Fauré

• Le papillon et la fleur
• Au bord de l'eau
• Lydia
• Les berceaux

Claude Debussy

• Nuit d'étoiles
• Fleur des blés

Henri Duparc

• Chanson triste
• L'Invitation au voyage
• Au pays où se fait la guerre
• Romance de Mignon

Claude Debussy

• La cathédrale engloutie - Piano solo 

Reynaldo Hahn

• Trois jours de vendange
• Le rossignol des lilas
• Néère
• Tyndaris

Francis Poulenc

• Selections from Banalités
  • Hôtel
  • Fagnes de Wallonie
  • Voyage à Paris
  • Hyde Park
• Les chemins de l'amour

An evening of elegance, poetry and musical refinement from two of today's most distinguished advocates of song.

PLEASE NOTE: The programme will run without an interval.