Experience an inspired selection of songs from the French Belle Époque and beyond, sung by one of today’s most vibrant sopranos. Soprano Julie Roset and pianist Susan Manoff perform a passionate and elegant tribute to the art of French mélodies (art songs), drawing on over a century of song and solo piano repertoire. Dreams, queens, and mythical figures populate poetic songs from both established composers and intriguing lesser-known figures. Enjoy music by Claude Debussy and Reynaldo Hahn, writing at the height of the French Belle Époque. Discover the immaculate musicianship of their contemporaries Manuel Rosenthal and Mel Bonis, a prolific composer who chose to disguise her gender when her music was eventually published. Roset’s ‘pure, fresh and youthful voice’ (Scherzo) is ideally suited to exquisite songs by contemporary composer Isabelle Aboulker. At the heart of this programme, Je t’aime is a stunning burst of virtuosity – and a declaration of undying love.

Description supplied by the event organiser.