Myrthen Ensemble
Song Ensemble
Described in The Telegraph as ‘the crème de la crème of young British-based musical talent’, and praised in BBC Music Magazine for their ‘irresistible combination of arresting programming and vocal flair assembled around pianist Joseph Middleton’ the newly formed Myrthen Ensemble was founded by rising stars Sophie Bevan, Clara Mouriz, Allan Clayton, Marcus Farnsworth and Joseph Middleton. Over the past season they have also had the great pleasure of working with other outstanding artists, including Katherine Broderick, Robert Murray and Benjamin Hulett.
The group takes its name from the composition Robert Schumann wrote as a wedding present for his wife Clara in 1840. Myrtles have for centuries been seen as the German symbol of marriage and their modest form seems an apt image of the relationship between words and music, singer and pianist, imagination and sound and performer and audience. Delving into the treasure chest that makes up the canon of the song repertoire, The Myrthen Ensemble explores all areas of art-song through illuminating and thoughtful programming.
In their first season together, the Myrthen Ensemble enjoyed performances at Snape Maltings as part of an Aldeburgh residency, broadcasts by BBC Radio 3, and a triumphant launch concert in London: ‘For sheer joy – for youthful panache and heartfelt commitment – nothing I have experienced musically this year comes near to matching this lovely soirée… there was no mistaking its exceptional musicality – every phrase was coloured and shaped, everything emotionally felt’ (Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph). They look forward to their debut as an ensemble at London’s Wigmore Hall. Recent and forthcoming recitals include those at the Bath MozartFest for BBC Radio 3, and the Wimbledon, Newbury Spring, Norwich and Norfolk and Northern Aldeburgh Festivals.