New songs by Hugh Wood
Following the great success of Beginnings, Hugh's songs for me with string orchestra that were premiered at the 2010 Presteigne Festival, he has written a second group, this time with piano accompaniment. The five Laurie Lee Songs were begun at a similar time to Beginnings, in the late 1950s, but remained incomplete until this year. The poems that Hugh has set are Boy in Ice, The Edge of Day, The Easter Green, Town Owl and April Rise and the songs are full of rich lyricism and lush textures, as well as the drama inherent in Hugh's intelligent wordsetting.
I hope to premiere the songs in a recital at the Royal Opera House later this year. Watch the website for a date and booking details.
Click here to listen to excerpts from Beginnings
Brave Tin Soldiers – Sarah Nixey’s new album
Sarah's second solo album came out in May and has been garnering great reviews. She sang in Black Box Recorder, before going solo, and recently supported KT Tunstall in concert - the first performers to appear in concert at the newly-built RSC theatre in Stratford on Avon. Download her album from iTunes here http://bit.ly/mbtxWU and receive the bonus track Silk Threads (Antonymes Lost Thread Impression), a reworking by the amazing Antonymes, plus the digital booklet.
Sarah and her band are performing at the AAA Kensington on July 8. The other magnificent band members are Mark Lodge (keyboards and cello), Tim Weller (drums) and Kevin Cormack (guitars).
Click here to go to Sarah Nixey's website
Cunning Little Vixen cast update
Rebecca Bottone will play the Vixen in Ryedale Festival Opera’s production, in which I play the Fox and the Dog, with Sam Evans as the Forester. Other cast members include Michael Burke, Tom Herford, Eleanor Greenwood and Helen Bailey. Joe Austin directs, Simon Kenny designs and Iain Farrington conducts. Performance dates are 15 and 17 July – see the gig guide for more details and booking information.