Described as ‘the current front-runner in the new generation of Lieder singers’ (Gramophone Magazine), Leeds Lieder favourite Benjamin Appl was a BBC New Generation Artist and an ECHO Rising Star artist for the 2015/16 season, appearing in recital at major European venues.

Last year we expanded our Young Artists programme with thrilling results. This year sees further expansion. Ten duos have been selected from competitive entry to take part in the festival as Leeds Lieder Young Artists. This afternoon they will work with festival Guest of Honour Angelika Kirchschlager. Hear her work with the young singers and pianists resident in Leeds over the weekend.

Schubert Winterreise

Robert Holl bass-baritone
Graham Johnson piano

We are delighted to welcome Robert Holl, truly one of the great Lieder singers of our time, to perform Schubert’s cycle of 24 songs setting poems by Wilhelm Müller.

Described in the New York Observer as ‘one of the world’s finest accompanists’, Malcolm Martineau will share the hallmarks of his playing, his ‘outstanding musical intelligence and virtuosity’ (The Telegraph) with a new generation of singers and pianists, specifically invited to be Leeds Lieder Young Artists.

Leeds Lieder Festival 2018 Commission: Daniel Kidane

Nick Pritchard tenor
Ian Tindale piano

Daniel Kidane composer

Programme to include: Kidane Song Cycle (World Premiere), Schumann Liederkreis, op. 24 and Britten Winter Words

Sir Thomas Allen – a legend of the opera stage and a master of the recital platform. Few artists have enjoyed such enduring love from their audiences and colleagues as our Guest of Honour. He has sung over fifty roles at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; in 2012 he celebrated his 40th anniversary with the company. His discography is wide-ranging, from Schubert cycles through to CDs that celebrate his County Durham roots, Sir Thomas is also one of the most engaging, sincere and witty raconteurs. He appears ‘in conversation’ today with Donald Macleod, well-known to BBC Radio 3 listeners as the presenter of Composer of the Week.

Schubert: Schwanengesang

Matthew Rose bass
Malcolm Martineau piano

Programme to include Schubert Auf der Donau, Fahrt zum Hades, Grenzen der Menschheit, L’incanto degli occhi, Il traditor deluso, Il modo di prender moglie and Schwanengesang.

A Garland of English Song