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

Important Information: Change of Programme
Please note that the programme for the above concert has changed slightly and will now be as below.

Purcell arr. Britten
Hark! The echoing air (The Fairy-Queen)
Music for a while
Lost is my Quiet for ever
Mad Bess
No, resistance is but vain

Robert Schumann
Unterm Fenster (Vier Duette)

Clara Schumann
Liebst du um Schönheit (Zwölf Gedichte aus ‘Liebesfrühling’)

Robert Schumann
Stirb’ Lieb’ und Freud’! – (Kerner-Lieder)
In der Nacht (Spanisches Liederspiel)

Johannes Brahms
Vergebliches Ständchen (Niederrheinisches Volkslied) duet

Richard Strauss
Das Rosenband
Traum durch die Dämmerung
Nachtgang
Rote Rosen

Brahms
Die Boten der Liebe

INTERVAL

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Bei Männern (Die Zauberflöte)

Abendempfindung
An Chloë

Franz Schubert
Impromptu in G flat major (piano solo)
Die Forelle
Ständchen (Schwanengesang)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Pa-pa-pa (Die Zauberflöte)

Francis Poulenc
Les chemins de l’amour
Montparnasse

Erik Satie
Gnossienne No.1

Poulenc
À sa guitare

Erik Satie
Je te veux

Franz Lehar
Lippen schweigen (Die lustige Witwe)

George Gershwin
The man I love

Richard Rodgers
People will say we’re in love (Oklahoma)
If I loved you (Carousel)