Artists

Louise Alder soprano
Huw Montague Rendall baritone
Joseph Middleton piano 

Two of the brightest stars in opera and song, Louise Alder and Huw Montague Rendall, return to Leeds fresh from acclaimed performances at the BBC Proms and Glyndebourne, joining their longtime collaborator Joseph Middleton for an unforgettable evening. They open with the joyful elegance of Purcell and the rich Romanticism of Schumann and Brahms.  

After the interval, a vibrant potpourri of French songs sparkles with wit, sensuality, and charm, leading to a dazzling finale of irresistible showtunes that will have you leaving with toes tapping and spirits soaring.  

As The Guardian raved, “Alder and Rendall’s performances are electrifying — a perfect blend of passion, precision, and warmth that captivates from first note to last.” Meanwhile, The New York Times praised pianist Joseph Middleton as “the perfect accompanist.”  

Don’t miss the festival’s spectacular opening night — an evening of enchantment, artistry, and sheer joy. 

Programme

Henry Purcell
arr. Benjamin Britten
Sound the Trumpet
Lost is my quiet
Man is for the woman made
Music for a while
Hark the echoing air
Alleluia
No, resistance is but vain 

Robert Schumann
Tanzlied
Er und sie
Unterm Fenster
In der Nacht 

Johannes Brahms
Vor der Tür
Unbewegte laue Luft
Vergebliches Ständchen
Feldeinsamkeit
Ach, wende diesen Blick
Die Meere
Die boten der Liebe 

Interval 

Camille Saint-Saëns
Pastorale  

Gabriel Fauré
Pleurs d’or 

Erik Satie
Gymnopédie

André Messager
De-ci, de-là

Ernest Chausson
La nuit 

Henri Duparc
La fuite 

Roger Quilter
Love calls through the summer nights 

Eric Coates
Bird songs at eventide 

Francis Poulenc
Les chemins d’amour 

George Gershwin
The man I love 

Richard Rodgers
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered 

Kurt Weill
September song 

Richard Rodgers
People will say we’re in love