Artists

Hugh Cutting countertenor
Joseph Middleton piano 

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

Celebrated for the expressive power of his voice and adventurous musical choices, British countertenor Hugh Cutting is redefining the possibilities of his voice type on both opera and recital stages. A BBC New Generation Artist (2022–24) and the first countertenor to win the Kathleen Ferrier Award, Hugh Cutting combines luminous vocal artistry with an instinct for musical storytelling.

The performance takes place in the ever‑popular The Attic, one of our city’s favourite arts venues, and one which made such a memorable impression during this year’s Festival with its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics. With its on‑site restaurant, bar, and coffee shop, The Attic offers a warm welcome and a relaxed setting where audiences can enjoy drinks throughout the evening in a venue that’s closer to a contemporary arts club than a traditional recital hall.

Programme

Burgon – This Lunar Beauty 
Cavalli – ‘Erme solinghe e cime’ 
Purcell – One Charming Night 
Rameau – L’entretien des Muses (Piano solo) 
Muriel Herbert – How beautiful is night 
Elgar – In Moonlight 
Bach – Concerto in D Minor BWV 974: II Adagio (Piano solo) 
Britten – ‘I Know a Bank’ 
Schubert – Erlkönig 
Rodney Bennett – Baby, Naughty Baby 
 
[INTERVAL] 
 
Britten – Evening (This Way to the Tomb) 
Hahn – Le Rossignol des Lilas 
Hahn – L’Enamourée 
Debussy – Préludes / Book 2, L.123: 5. Bruyères (Piano solo) 
Traditional, arranged Anna Semple – She Moved Through the Fair 
Gerschwin – The Man I Love (Piano solo) 
Bolcom – Song of Black Max 
Weill – Lost in the Stars 
Strozzi – Amor dormiglione