Schubert – Schwanengesang

Benedict Nelson

Baritone / Bass

Recently hailed by Rupert Christiansen in the Daily Telegraph as Best Newcomer in his “Opera Highlights of 2009”, British baritone Benedict Nelson is one of the most exciting singers of his generation and is attracting comparisons to Gerlad Finley and Simon Keelyside among others.

Born in London, Nelson studied at the Guildhall school of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio. In 2007 Benedict won second prize in both the Kathleen Ferrier awards and the Guildhall Gold Medal at the tender age of 23.

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Gary Matthewman

Pianist

Recently described as ‘movingly perceptive’ by The Times, Gary Matthewman is establishing himself as one of Britain’s leading young pianists. He developed his strong interest in song and chamber music early on in his studies at the Royal College of Music, and now works almost exclusively within these fields of repertoire. Awards include those for accompaniment at the Maggie Teyte Awards, the Royal Over-Seas League Competition, and the prize for pianists at the first ‘Das Lied - International Song Competition’ in Berlin this year.

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7pm: Pre-concert talk (free) given by Richard Stokes

As part of our now annual tradition of programming all three Schubert songs cycles, emerging star Benedict Nelson performs Schwanengesang. Whilst not intended by Schubert as a complete cycle, it contains many of his finest songs including the extraordinary and haunting "Der Doppelgänger".

Benedict Nelson won second prize at last year’s Wigmore Hall International Song Competition and was hailed by Rupert Christiansen in the Daily Telegraph as Best Newcomer in his "Opera Highlights of 2009". He is joined by pianist Gary Matthewman, already established as one of the outstanding accompanists in the UK.

Open Rehearsal: 3pm - 4.30pm:

The rehearsal for this evening's concert will be open to the public, offering an insight into the final preparations that go into a recital. Please note that the end time may be approximate.

Programme:

Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828)

Schwanengesang