Introduced by Dame Felicity Lott, South Kensington’s Institut français is this month hosting the classical music concert L’amour à la française Part 1: J’irai conter fleurette… (an idiom from old French meaning to court someone) that will feature songs with the themes of love and the countryside in the 19th century.
Singers from the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Academy Opera will be performing works by Gounod, Berlioz, Massenet, Godard, Lalo, Chabrier, Delibes, Chausson, Saint-Saëns and Bizet (full programme details below) at the concert on Tuesday 29th November.
Performing on the night are Sónia Grané (soprano), Kerri-lynne Dietz (mezzo soprano), Oliver Johnston (tenor), Samuel Pantcheff (baritone), Edwige Herchenroder (piano).
The Royal Academy of Music was founded in 1822 and since then has had a vast impact on musical life both in the UK and abroad. Each year, musicians from over fifty countries come and study at the Academy, under the tutelage of its esteemed teaching staff. Students often participate in the Academy’s unrivalled calendar of musical events, where they regularly work with leading practitioners.
English soprano Felicity Lott will be introducing the evening; she has performed at all of the great opera houses around the world, and worked with some of the best conductors (including Andrew Davis, Antonio Pappano and Simon Rattle).
Programme
Gounod Viens, les gazons sont verts (Barbier), Ce que je suis sans toi (Peyre), Le Soir (Lamartine)
Berlioz Villanelle (Gautier), Duet Pleure, pauvre Colette (Bourgery)
Massenet Elégie (Gallet), Si tu veux mignonne (Boyer)
Lalo Puisqu’ici bas toute âme (Prudhomme)
Chabrier Chanson pour Jeanne (Mendès)
Godard Chanson du berger (Florian), Chanson d’Estelle (Florian)
Delibes Bonjour Suzon (Musset), Eglogue (Hugo)
Chausson Le Colibri (Leconte de Lisle), Les Papillons (Gautier), Le Charme (Silvestre), Le Temps des lilas (Bouchor)
Saint-Saëns L’Attente (Hugo)
Bizet La Coccinelle (Hugo), Vieille chanson (Millevoye), Chanson d’avril (Bouilhet)
Tickets cost £15 (£12 students, £8 concessions) and can be purchased online or by calling the box office on 020 7073 1350.
A French Musical Journey from Couperin to Boulez
8pm, Tuesday 29th November 2011
The Institut français
17 Queensberry Place
London
SW7 2DT
Website: www.institut-francais.org.uk