Leeds Lieder April 2019

The ninth Leeds Lieder Festival runs from 25 to 29 April 2019, bringing world-class artists to Leeds for a varied programme under the artistic directorship of pianist Joseph Middleton. The festival opens with a recital from baritone Benjamin Appl with pianist Graham Johnson in Heine settings by Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Liszt and Clara Schumann and ends with soprano Miah Persson and Joseph Middleton in Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, Grieg and Sibelius.

In between there is a fine selection of recitals, workshops, talks and events. The guest of honour this year is Angelika Kirchschlager who will be performing Schumann, Brahms and Schubert with Julius Drake as well as giving a public masterclass. The 2019 Leeds Lieder Commission is from composer Mark Simpson whose Three Verlaine Settings will be premiered by Nicky Spence (tenor) and Malcolm Martineau (piano).

Young artist recitals are being given by BBC New Generation Artist, soprano Fatma Said, Queen Elisabeth Competition winner baritone Samuel Hasselhorn and Kathleen Ferrier Award winners bass William Thomas and pianist Michael Pandya. Twenty singers and pianists will become Leeds Lieder Young Artists and work in masterclasses with Angelika Kirchschlager, Amanda Roocroft, Malcolm Martineau and Ann Murray, as well as competing for the inaugural Leeds Lieder/Schubert Institute Song Prize.

For amateur singers there are Bring and Sing events, as well as a Pop-up Poetry event. And 1000 school children from Leeds are taking place in Leeds Lieder Education events with performances at Leeds Town Hall.

Leeds Lieder might concentrate on its annual Spring weekend, but there are events throughout the year.

Full details from the Leeds Lieder website.