Speak of the North

Grieg Violin Sonata no.2 in G

Grieg Haugtussa (The Mountain Maid)

Percy Grainger Molly on the Shore / Three songs

Gavin Higgins Speak of the North                  YORKSHIRE PREMIERE

‘Speak of the North!’ urged Charlotte Brontë. And this recital does just that, exploring how music can evoke icy landscapes, lonely moors, shadowed forests, starry darkness, grimy cities and rich folklore. At its heart is a major new song cycle by award-winning composer Gavin Higgins, inspired by the music of Grieg and setting evocative texts by poets from Charlotte and Emily Brontë to the present day. ‘It’s about place – and what it truly means to be Northern’ he says, ‘and includes songs about the Peak District, Manchester as seen from above, coal mining landscapes, and an argument between Hadrian’s Wall and the sycamore gap tree, as well as fresh takes on some Northumbrian folk songs.’

‘that most questing, resourceful and intelligent of sopranos Claire Booth’ The Daily Telegraph

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