Recital: Kate Royal (Soprano) & Joseph Middleton (Piano)

'Komm, Trost der Welt'

On Wednesday 4th November, at 8pm in the Old Library, internationally acclaimed soprano Kate Royal will be joined by Joseph Middleton, Pembroke's College Musician, for a recital as part of the Sir Arthur Bliss International Song Series.

‘Komm, Trost der Welt’: themes of solace, comfort and consolation weave through Kate Royal and Joseph Middleton’s thoughtfully programmed recital. The first half features settings of the poet Rückert by Robert and Clara Schumann before Kate and Joseph perform Mahler’s existentialist set of five songs exploring various aspects of love and loss, earthly cares juxtaposed alongside a desire for peace in transfiguration. The second half centres around Samuel Barber’s group of ten songs setting translations of medieval Gaelic and Latin poems attributed to Irish saints and holy persons. Some are very short, witty and droll observations of the simples lives these men led and others are altogether more Godly. They end, like the Mahler, with an extended meditation.

Full details of the programme are available here

Tickets can be reserved online or purchased either from the Porters’ Lodge or on the evening of the performance at entrance to the Old Library.

email: blissseries@gmail.com