Oxford Song: Sarah Connolly and Joseph Middleton
Oxford International Song Festival 2024 – Cities of Song
Rückert Lieder
Sarah Connolly, mezzo soprano
Joseph Middleton, pianist
Generously supported by Sir Martin & Lady Smith
Dame Sarah Connolly’s recitals are an annual highlight of the Festival. She and Joseph Middleton perform the extraordinary Rückert Lieder, written by Mahler in the first two summers of the 20th century, while he was staying at his rural lakeside retreat in Maiernigg: immersed in nature and escaping the frantic pace of Vienna. Their programme also includes songs by Brahms, Debussy’s scandalous Chansons de Bilitis, and a selection of pastoral English songs by Bridge, Moeran, Gurney and Ireland.
Oxford International Song Festival runs Friday 11 October to Saturday 26 October. The programme is full of variety – talks, concerts, workshops – and events are held at venues across the city. See their website for the details.