ARTISTS

Hanna Hipp mezzo-soprano

Emma Abbate piano

PROGRAMME

Poulenc Huit chansons polonaises, FP69

Ravel Chants Populaires

Pizzetti Sera d'inverno | L’annuncio | Il Clefta prigione

Britten Early one morning | The last rose of summer | The Salley Gardens | The brisk young widow | O Waly, Waly

de Falla Siete Canciones Populares Españolas

Hanna Hipp’s ‘rich-toned, thrillingly ardent singing’ (The Spectator) ensures she is in high demand in the world’s finest opera houses. Hannah will be joined by the ‘amazingly talented pianist’ (Musica) Emma Abbate for this exploration of folk songs from different countries.

Poulenc’s Huit chansons polonaises are a homage to one of his musical heroes, the great Polish composer Chopin. Composed to add variety to his recitals with his partner in music and life Peter Pears, many of Benjamin Britten’s English folk song arrangements have become even better known than their original versions. The lyrical inflection of the Italian language gets first class treatment in Pizzetti’s sensitive settings, while Ravel’s Chants Populaires include some of his most dreamily beautiful music.

Hanna and Emma’s performance, and indeed our May festival, concludes in style with Manuel de Falla’s Seven Spanish Folksongs. Reflecting the diversity of different parts of Spain, they are amongst the composer’s most popular and enduring works.

"rich-toned, thrillingly ardent singing”

The Spectator (on Hanna Hipp)

"every shift of rhythm or colour speaks volumes."

Gramophone (on Emma Abbate)