What's On

Programme

Ernest Chausson Chanson perpétuelle Op 37 *
Gabriel Fauré La bonne chanson Op 61 ^

Performers

Ellena Hicks mezzo-soprano *
Jeremy Young piano
Christina Maxfield, Sam Lawson violins *
Henry Grant viola *
Cillian Hennessy cello *

Brennan Alleyne tenor (songs 1-3) ^
Hannah Andrusier soprano (songs 4-6) ^
Oscar Bowen-Hill tenor (songs 7-9) ^
Jeremy Young piano
Elena Orsi, Pia Bromby violins ^
Hannah Borlase viola ^
Kamogelo Maraba cello ^
Duarte Colaco double bass ^

About

Drop in during your lunch break and discover a wide range of performances for free with our Monday and Thursday Lunchtimes.

Chausson and Fauré, along with Saint-Saëns, Henri Duparc, and Emmanuel Chabrier, were founding members of the Société Nationale de Musique. Their goal was to promote new works that embraced a true French style, moving away from German influences, especially in chamber music.

In a programme that explores the highs and lows of love, Chausson’s Chanson perpétuelle sets a touching poem by Charles Cros. The piece tells the story of a woman whose lover has left her, and her deep sadness is beautifully echoed in the music for voice, piano, and string quartet.

On the other hand, Fauré’s La bonne chanson captures the excitement of new love perfectly. It’s based on a collection of poems by Paul Verlaine, who wrote them to celebrate his budding romance with 16-year-old Mathilde Mauté, whom he eventually married.

This mix of heartbreak and happiness gives a deep dive into the emotional rollercoaster of love, all through the beautiful lens of chamber music.

Tickets:
Free admission, ticket required

Promoted by RNCM.

This event will end at approximately 1.55pm.