What if artistic risk was itself a form of faith—rebellion not against tradition, but towards something beyond it? Soprano Rose Stachniewska (Samling Artist, Britten Pears Young Artist) and pianist Dylan Perez (nominated for a 2026 International Classical Music Award) curate a programme of piano and song spanning nearly a thousand years of musical mysticism: works shaped by devotion, experimentation and the pursuit of the unknown. The trailblazing music of Olivier Messiaen has its genesis in birdsong and colour; forces just as foundational to the composer as Catholic doctrine and global mysticism. In framing Messiaen’s songs with music by Bach, alongside Josephine Foster’s folk-inflected setting of poetry by William Blake, this programme reveals a golden thread of spirituality connecting artistic pioneers across centuries. Settle into the cathedral’s lower church for an early evening song recital alive with wonder, daring and the thrill of transformation. Due to the layout of the vaulted crypt, some seats will have a restricted view of the performers. Please note the Lower Church is a multi-level space with uneven flooring—if you require assistance or cannot use stairs, please let us know in advance and we will ensure your access needs are supported.

Description supplied by the event organiser.