Artists

Originally planned as a closing recital for the 2026 Festival, we are delighted to welcome Leeds Song Patron and the UK’s foremost mezzo-soprano, Dame Sarah Connolly alongside Leeds Song Director Joseph Middleton to give a very special recital, dedicated to Kathleen Evans BEM, current Chair and former Festival Administrator. Kathleen retires from her position as Chair this summer, and in recognition of all the time, dedication and passion she has given to the organisation over many years, this programme is made up of her favourite songs and poems: music that celebrates, inspires, consoles and uplifts.

Tickets go live at midday on Friday 1 May 2026

Pre-concert talk

Please join us in The Venue at 18:00 for a free pre-concert talk – no booking is required. Cellist, musicologist and visiting Research Fellow at Huddersfield and Leeds Universities, Dr George Kennaway gives one of his popular pre-concert talks in advance of this recital. As a longstanding Leeds Song Trustee, George is well-placed to introduce this final recital of the week, dedicated to Leeds Song Chair, Kathleen Evans BEM.

Exclusive Friends ticket offer

A special ticket price exclusively for the Friends and Patrons of Leeds Song will be emailed out when tickets go live. If you wish to join the Friends of Leeds Song, you can learn more via our how to support us page

Programme

Franz Schubert
Ganymed
Die junge Nonne
An die Musik

Robert Schumann
Widmung  (Myrthen)

Clara Schumann
Liebst du um Schönheit (Zwölf Gedichte aus „Liebesfrühling“)

Johannes Brahms
Von waldbekränzter höhe
Unbewegte laue Luft
Wie Melodien (Fünf Lieder)
Verzagen
Von ewiger Liebe

INTERVAL

David Matthews
Three Hopkins Sonnets
The Windhover
The Candle Indoors
As Kingfishers Catch Fire

Henri Duparc
Extase
L’invitation au voyage
Chanson triste

Frank Bridge
Come to Me in my Dreams

Ernest John Moeran
Twilight

Ivor Bertie Gurney
Thou didst delight my eyes
Sleep (Five Elizabethan Songs)

Benjamin Britten
Sephestia’s Lullaby (A Charm of Lullabies)

Gustav Mahler
Urlicht (Rückert-Lieder)
Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen (Des Knaben Wunderhorn)