Trio of concerts to celebrate compositions for voice

The University is pleased to introduce a trio of concerts celebrating compositions for voice by Mahler, Schumann, Wagner and Liszt.

Leeds Vocalists Ruby Hughes, Jennifer Johnston, Gemma Lois Summerfield and James Newby will be accompanied by pianist and Director of Leeds Lieder Joseph Middleton.

All three concerts will be preceded by a short talk and recorded by BBC Radio 3 for deferred broadcast.

Mahler Song Series I
October 12, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Programme to include Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Songs of Youth, and late songs by Schumann.

Ruby Hughes (soprano), a laureate of the BBC New Generation Artist’s Scheme and past winner of the Borletti-Buitoni Award opens our season with what will be a fascinating glimpse into the early writing style of Mahler. Ruby’s debut CD, together with Middleton, showcases her affinity for Mahler’s writing and it has been met with universal acclaim. Selected as ‘Record of the Month’ by BBC Music Magazine, Ruby’s voice is described as ‘exceptional…a perfect instrument of its kind.’
More info →
Mahler Song Series II
November 5, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Programme to include Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder and Rückert Lieder and songs by Wagner and Liszt.

Since graduating from the BBC New Generation Artist’s Scheme, Jennifer Johnston (mezzo-soprano) has forged an international career that places her at the forefront of British singers. Appearances this season include at the Salzburg Festival and La Scala Milan and with the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony and Cleveland Orchestras. Increasingly known as a superb Mahlerian, her rich-toned voice is perfectly suited to this repertoire. Her recent Wigmore Hall recital with Joseph Middleton drew enthusiastic reviews.

Mahler Song Series III
March 4, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Mahler: Des Knaben Wunderhorn

In association with the Kathleen Ferrier Awards.

The Kathleen Ferrier Award has become a benchmark for identifying new talent – the list of past winners is impressive indeed: Bryn Terfel, Joan Rodgers, Elizabeth Watts and Kate Royal all appear in the roll-call. Now two new winners appear on this list and we are delighted to welcome them to Leeds. Both already enthusiastic recitalists, Gemma and James round off our series with a complete performance of Des Knaben Wunderhorn, a collection of German folk poems and songs that tackle tales of soldiers, spirits and lovers.