Leeds Song has announced its 2026–27 concert season, bringing together some of Britain’s most distinguished artists alongside an exciting new generation of singers and pianists, in a programme that celebrates the richness, intimacy and storytelling of song. 

Following the success of the 2026 Leeds Song Festival, praised by critics for its ambitious programming and world-class performances, the new season continues the organisation’s commitment to presenting exceptional artistry while championing emerging talent. 

Leeds Song Director, and internationally acclaimed pianist Joseph Middleton, has curated a colourful season in which he will partner in recital some of his closest collaborators such as tenor Ian Bostridge, soprano Mary Bevan, baritone Roderick Williams, countertenor Hugh Cutting, and in programmes exploring the breadth and intimacy of the song repertoire. The season also features current BBC New Generation Artist Andrew Hamilton, appearing in partnership with Wesley Chapel Concerts. 

Highlights include the return of internationally renowned tenor Ian Bostridge, whose recital will explore masterpieces by Benjamin Britten and Franz Schubert, and soprano Mary Bevan, who brings music from her acclaimed Elegy programme in an evening of poignant reflection and lyrical beauty. 

The season also welcomes one of Britain’s best-loved baritones, Roderick Williams, who presents his acclaimed English translation of Schubert’s The Fair Maid of the Mill (Die schöne Müllerin), offering audiences a fresh perspective on one of the defining works of the song repertoire. 

The season showcases alumni of the Leeds Song Young Artist Programme, celebrating singers and pianists who have become an integral part of the organisation’s artistic community. 

Season Highlights

Ian Bostridge & Joseph Middleton

Sunday 4 October, 3:00pm, Leeds Conservatoire 

Tenor Ian Bostridge CBE joins Joseph Middleton to open our 2026–27 season with a programme of rare intensity and insight, bringing together masterpieces by Schubert and Britten. 

Mary Bevan & Joseph Middleton

Friday 6 November, 7:30pm, Leeds Conservatoire

Soprano Mary Bevan joins Joseph Middleton for an evocative recital built around Elegy, the pair’s acclaimed 2025 release on Signum Records. 

Alumni of the Leeds Song Young Artist Programme

Wednesday 18 November, 1:05pm, Leeds Conservatoire

We are delighted to welcome back two duos from our 2026 Young Artist programme to give this special recital. 

Andrew Hamilton & Joseph Middleton

Monday 7 December, 1:00pm, Wesley Centre

Baritone, and current BBC New Generation Artist, Andrew Hamilton brings his distinctive warmth, agility, and expressive range to Leeds Song for the first time. 

Roderick Williams & Joseph Middleton

Thursday 18 February, 7:30pm, Howard Assembly Room

Roderick Williams and Joseph Middleton give another spellbinding performance of Jeremy Sams’s wonderfully communicative English translation of Schubert’s The Fair Maid of the Mill. 

Hugh Cutting & Joseph Middleton

Saturday 27 February, 7:30pm, The Attic

Morpheus is a journey through music inspired by sleep, dreams and the night. Bringing together works from Purcell and Schubert to Britten, Hugh Cutting explores the rich imaginative world that emerges when daylight gives way to darkness. 

The Leeds Song 2026–27 season runs from October 2026 to February 2027. Full programme details and booking information are available at www.leedssong.com.