Simon Johnson takes us on an Advent journey from darkness to light, via Bach’s seasonal chorales and through three towering masterworks: the dark-hued A minor Prelude & Fugue, the monolithic Pièce d’Orgue, and the joyous C major with it’s Christmas undercurrents.

Organ Recital

Smith Square Hall

### Event Description: Secret Kiss Birmingham

**Event Title:** Secret Kiss Birmingham

**Date and Time:** Wednesday, 27 November 2024, 7:30 PM (Pre-concert talk at 6:30 PM)

**Venue:** CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

**Ticket Prices:**
- General: £15.00
- Student: £7.50
- Under 12s: FREE with a paying adult

**Event Overview:**
Join the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) for an ethereal performance at the CBSO Centre. The concert, titled "Secret Kiss," explores the theme of intimate communication through music, featuring sensitive stories of connection and self-awareness.

**Program Highlights:**
- **Rebecca Saunders:** *Stirrings* (2001, 16')
- **Julian Anderson:** *Mitternachtslied* (2020, 2023, 6')
- **Peter Eötvös:** *Secret Kiss* (2018/9, 15') - BCMG SI Commission (World première of the English language version)
- **Lisa Illean:** *Cantor* (2017, 9')
- **Harrison Birtwistle:** *The Woman and the Hare* (1999, 15')
- **Harrison Birtwistle:** *.when falling asleep* (2022, 7')

**Featured Artists:**
- **Alice Rossi:** Soprano
- **Meg Kubota:** Reciter
- **Geoffrey Paterson:** Conductor

**About the Main Piece:**
"Secret Kiss" is one of Peter Eötvös' final ensemble works, inspired by Alessandro Baricco's novel *Silk*. The piece transports the audience back to the 19th century, where a young Frenchman travels to Japan to learn about silk production. During his visit, he encounters a young girl, and a tender yet binding connection emerges from a single glance.

**Additional Information:**
- **Co-Commissioners:** Gageego Ensemble Gothenburg, Casa da Música Porto, Plural Ensemble Madrid, Okamura & Company, Inc., Musikfabrik Cologne, MÜPA Budapest, Wigmore Hall, and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group as part of BCMG’s Sound Investment Scheme.
- **Composer Background:** Peter Eötvös (1944 - 2024) was a highly influential figure in the contemporary music scene, known for his operas, instrumental solo concertos, and chamber music pieces.

**Booking Information:**
Tickets are available for purchase online. For more details and to book your place, visit the BCMG website.

**Contact:**
For further inquiries, contact BCMG at 0121 616 2616.

**Add to Calendar:**
Ensure you don't miss this captivating performance by adding the event to your calendar.

Join us for an evening of intimate and evocative music that promises to be a memorable experience.

EPSG:4326

Secret Kiss

Wigmore Hall

An award-winning classical pianist of Nigerian-Filipino heritage, Adam Heron is the titleholder of the 2020 Harriet Cohen Bach Prize, and a laureate of multiple British and international competitions. Born in Hong Kong, he rose to prominence following his 2018 television debut as a BBC Young Musician piano finalist. Through his unique artistry, coupled with an innate flair for communication, Adam strives to become a leading ambassador for classical music. 

Piano Recital

Experience an exciting programme of music in the opulent setting of the historic Royal Opera House Crush Room. These regular lunchtime performances feature artists from The Royal Opera, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Jette Parker Artists and a range of guest artists in performances inspired by the heritage of the Royal Opera House, its operas and music.

Recitals at Lunch

Royal Opera House

Academy organ students perform solo and ensemble works by Petr Eben, Thierry Escaich and Jean-Baptiste Robin.

Royal Academy of Music

Ben Collyer, Sinfonia Smith Square’s Organ Fellow, presents a concert of classics and brand new works, including Francis Pott’s ‘Rhapsody on an Old Hungarian Folk Song’, a piece that Pott composed for Ben in 2024.

Benjamin Collyer - Organ Recital

Described by the Financial Times as ‘flawless’ in her Wigmore Hall debut, Italian soprano Rosa Feola returns in a recital with Opera Rara’s Artistic Director and pianist Carlo Rizzi. As a part of Opera Rara’s multi-year Donizetti Song Project, the recital features lost and forgotten songs by Gaetano Donizetti as well as selections by his contemporaries. This initiative will see Opera Rara record and perform the composer’s entire solo song output – nearly 200 in total, of which many have never been heard before.

Rosa Feola & Carlo Rizzi: Donizetti and Friends

Described by The Financial Times as ‘flawless’ in her Wigmore Hall debut, Italian soprano Rosa Feola returns in a recital with Opera Rara’s Artistic Director and pianist Carlo Rizzi. As a part of Opera Rara’s multi-year Donizetti Song Project, the recital features lost and forgotten songs by Gaetano Donizetti as well as selections by his contemporaries.

Rosa Feola soprano; Carlo Rizzi piano

Conductor Gemma New (MM ’11, Conducting) returns to the BBC Proms August 16 at the Royal Albert Hall, leading the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra through Mel Bonis’ Salomé, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A minor featuring soloist Anthony McGill, and Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream featuring the National Youth Choir of Scotland; tickets available online and the program will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Four.

Alumni Event: Gemma New

Royal Albert Hall

Season tickets and Weekend Pass 4 holders can redeem their tickets (by clicking on 'Promming tickets' above) from Midday 2 days before the Prom. Day Promming tickets will be available from 10.30am the day before the Prom via the same button (2 tickets per booker).

Prom 29: Jonathan Scott - Organ Recital

**Songs on the Steps 2024 at Opera Holland Park**

Join us for a delightful series of free lunchtime recitals at Opera Holland Park, as "Songs on the Steps" makes its much-anticipated return for the 2024 Season. This unique event invites picnickers, dog walkers, and passersby to enjoy a captivating selection of new and familiar songs and arias, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Holland Park. 

**Event Highlights:**
- **Dates:** The event runs fortnightly on Fridays, from 10 May to 2 August 2024.
- **Time:** Each recital starts at 1pm, offering forty minutes of enchanting music.
- **Location:** Steps to the theatre at Opera Holland Park.
- **No Booking Required:** Simply bring a rug or a cushion for your comfort and join us at the steps for an unforgettable musical experience in the fresh air.
- **Featuring:** Talented artists from the company will perform a range of music from the 2024 Season, ensuring each recital offers something new and exciting for all attendees.

**Performance Schedule:**
- Friday 10 May, 1pm
- Friday 24 May, 1pm
- Friday 7 June, 1pm
- Friday 21 June, 1pm
- Friday 5 July, 1pm
- Friday 19 July, 1pm
- Friday 2 August, 1pm

**Enhance Your Visit:**
Consider reserving a picnic table to complement your visit, making the most of the serene Holland Park setting while enjoying the performances.

**Related Events:**
Don't miss out on other captivating productions during the season, including operatic masterpieces and engaging performances that promise to enrich your Opera Holland Park experience.

"Songs on the Steps 2024" is a perfect opportunity to experience the joy of live music in a relaxed and picturesque setting. Whether you're a long-time opera enthusiast or just looking for a pleasant way to spend your lunch break, this event promises to be a highlight of the summer season.

Songs on the Steps 2024

Opera Holland Park

Following her Royal Opera House debut in Andrea Chénier conducted by Antonio Pappano, mezzo-soprano Katia Ledoux joins pianist Anna Tilbrook for a recital presented by Opera Rara and the Temple Music Foundation. Taking place within the Inner Temple Parliament Chamber, the programme centres on the Parisian salons of the 19th century. Featuring newly-restored, rarely – if ever – performed songs by Donizetti from his years in Paris, the programme is completed with selections by Donizetti’s contemporaries. Including several songs composed by women, Ledoux and Tilbrook recreate the experience of a musical soirée.

Katia Ledoux and Anna Tilbrook Salon Concert

Temple Church

In demand across the world, Ermonela Jaho is best known for her portrayals of Verdi and Puccini’s heroines. She returns to her bel canto roots in a recital of rare songs by Gaetano Donizetti, alongside a selection by his contemporaries, with Opera Rara’s Artistic Director and pianist Carlo Rizzi. They will explore repertoire that has been recently restored and rarely, if ever, performed. The programme is complete with two works for violin and piano by Donizetti performed by brothers Marco and Carlo Rizzi.

Ermonela Jaho & Carlo Rizzi: Donizetti and Friends

Fast making a name for himself as one of today’s most promising young singers, bass William Thomas joins forces with pianist Florent Mourier for an evening of rare songs by Donizetti and the cherished romanzes by Verdi. A finalist in the 2023 BBC Singer of the World Song Prize, Thomas makes his Opera Rara recording debut later this season singing Jacopo Fiesco in the 1857 original version of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra. The intimate evening of song includes a reception with the artists following the concert at the Lansdowne Club.

William Thomas and Florent Mourier Salon Concert

The Lansdowne Club

Soprano Elena Zamudio and pianist James Southall present a concert of rare and forgotten songs alongside some of opera's greatest arias. Elena Zamudio, a recent winner of the Janet Price Opera Prize and the Sir Ian Stoutzker Prize at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, was a finalist in the 2022 Kathleen Ferrier Awards. She is joined by the Music Director for the David Seligman Opera Studio at the Royal Welsh College, James Southall, in a program that also features recently restored songs by Donizetti, a part of Opera Rara's Donizetti Song Project. Following Ms Zamudio and Mr Southall's performance, a contrasting encore of selections from Wolf's Italienisches Liederbuch will be presented by soprano Helen Lacey and pianist Stella Marie Lorenz. The intimate evening includes a post-concert reception with artists which spans the gallery of Sloane Street Auctions, together with their neighbour, the bar-restaurant Chucs.

Elena Zamudio and James Southall Salon Concert

Sloane Street Auctions

Opera Holland Park is thrilled to announce the return of the "Opera in Song" series, curated by Julien Van Mellaerts and Dylan Perez. This year's programme features three captivating recitals that span a wide range of themes and composers, promising an enriching experience for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The series kicks off with "All the Future Days: A celebration of contemporary British art song," which includes a special feature on Jonathan Dove’s music to celebrate the world premiere of "Itch." Performers for this recital include soprano Nardus Williams, tenor Laurence Kilsby, and pianist Anna Tilbrook, taking place on 29 July at 1pm.

The second recital, "Vissi d’arte: Life for art," offers a rich selection of songs by Puccini, Verdi, Debussy, Strauss, and Schönberg. This performance will feature soprano Sophie Bevan, baritone Julien Van Mellaerts, and pianist Dylan Perez, scheduled for 30 July at 7.30pm.

Concluding the series is "Through the woods: From the Witch’s perspective," a unique retelling of "Hansel and Gretel" from the witch's point of view. This recital will see soprano Eleanor Dennis and pianist Simon Lepper performing alongside the Opera Holland Park Young Artists, including Shakira Tsindos, Charlotte Bowden, Edward Kim, and Ana Manastireanu, on 31 July at 7.30pm.

Opera in Song is proud to continue its partnerships and support from Steinway and Sons and the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. This year, the series will also partner with Bowel Cancer UK as its featured charity, with a percentage of box office takings and donations at each recital going to support the organization.

Please note that there is a strict no refund policy on all tickets. For those unable to use their tickets, a resale option is available through the affiliate ticket resale partner, ticketswap.uk.

Join Opera Holland Park for this extraordinary series of recitals and support a great cause while enjoying the beauty and depth of opera in song.

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