Helen Charlston mezzo-soprano and Sholto Kynoch piano

Continuing our collaborative concert series with Oxford Lieder, this next instalment sees Helen Charlston, a thrilling young mezzo-soprano, recently described by Gramophone Magazine as ‘mesmerising’ and by the Daily Telegraph as ‘warmly distinctive’ take the stage. She recently made an astonishing reimagining of the video of Coldplay’s ‘The Scientist’ using ‘Dido’s Lament’ by Purcell (see it here) with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and her new CD Isolation Songbook has been widely acclaimed.

She and Sholto Kynoch begin with a group of songs by Clara Schumann, a set of exquisitely crafted masterpieces. Following this, they include songs by Johannes Brahms (who was infatuated with Clara Schumann) that perfectly demonstrate his great gift for melody aligned with his sensitive word-setting. At the centre of their programme is a cycle by that great master of English song, Gerald Finzi’s O Fair to See, that includes settings of Hardy, Rossetti, Gurney and others. They also include songs by Britten and Clarke. As always, Helen and Sholto will introduce this wonderful programme.

Tickets £12 (+ booking fee). Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. (Running time: 1hr - no interval. Please note there is no café facility at this time.)

We are able to offer free on-site parking for this event.

COVID 19 PRECAUTIONS: Please note this event will be socially distanced and temperatures will be taken on entry. We ask that all attendees wear a mask for the performance unless they are medically exempt. PPE visors will be made available to attendees should they prefer.

Tickets are available in pairs, or as individual seats (distanced from others).