17/01/2025 A Kabuki Winterreise: Spring Snow
Mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron and pianist Julius Drake unveil a brand new interpretation of Schubert’s iconic Winterreise complemented by kabuki interludes, a form of traditional Japanese drama and dance.
Embark on a powerful journey that inhabits a world of sound and silence, solitude and connection, and love and loss.
Spring Snow weaves the tales of Yasuna, a distinguished Kabuki play from 1818, and Schubert’s timeless Winterreise, from 1827, into a rich tapestry of profound emotion. As grief shatters the souls of both Schubert’s Wanderer and Yasuna, they descend into the depths of self-discovery, and it is here, where this performance unfurls like a delicate bloom.
Two solitary paths cross and inspire one another in breathtaking harmony, merging a celebrated song cycle with the haunting melodies of shamisen music and the graceful movements of traditional Japanese dance-theatre.
Fleur Barron (mezzo-soprano)
Hailed as “a knockout performer” by The Times, Singaporean-British mezzo Fleur Barron has been nominated for a 2025 GRAMMY Award for her performance of the title role in Kaija Saariaho’s opera “Adriana Mater” with the San Francisco Symphony Symphony and Esa-Pekka Salonen on the Deutsche Grammophon label. Fleur is a passionate interpreter of opera, chamber music, and concert works ranging from the baroque to the contemporary. She is currently Artistic Partner of the Orquesta Sinfonica del Principado de Asturias in Oviedo, for which she will curate/perform multiple projects across several seasons. Fleur is mentored by Barbara Hannigan.
Read more about Fleur here: Fleur Barron’s Biography.
Julius Drake (piano)
The pianist Julius Drake lives in London and enjoys an international reputation as one of the finest instrumentalists in his field, collaborating with many of the world’s leading artists, both in recital and on disc. His passionate interest in song has led to invitations to devise song series for Wigmore Hall, London; The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam; 92nd Street Y, New York; and the Pierre Boulez Saal, Berlin. He curates an annual series of song recitals – Julius Drake and Friends – in the historic Middle Temple Hall in London. Julius Drake is Professor of Collaborative Piano at the Guildhall School of Music in London and he is regularly invited to give masterclasses worldwide.
Read more about Julius here: Julius Drake’s Biography.
Suleiman Suleiman (actor/dancer)
Suleiman Suleiman is an actor, dancer, and director of Hanamichi Productions. His independent theatre work draws inspiration from Kabuki theatre and has been hailed by The Guardian as “a gripping piece of cross-cultural music theatre of astonishing power.” Since 2019, he has produced a series of Kabukimono art happenings in prestigious London venues, including Ladbroke Hall in Notting Hill and the Royal Over-Seas League in St. James’s.
Suleiman has performed with world-class opera and ballet companies including The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, English National Opera, Opera Holland Park, and Gate Theatre.
Read more about Suleiman here: Suleiman Suleiman’s Biography.
Hibiki Ichikawa (shamisen)
Hibiki is a London-based Tsugaru Shamisen player with over 15 years of experience in playing this unique and fascinating instrument. He first came to the UK in 2011. Recognised as a world-leading talent of Tsugaru Shamisen, Hibiki regularly performs across the UK and Europe. In 2016, he took part in the recording of the soundtrack for BAFTA-winning stop-motion animated film Kubo and the Two Strings, produced by Laika Studios.
Read more about Hibiki here: Hibiki Ichikawa’s Biography.
