Saturday 18th May 2019 saw the return of the Southwold Concert Series with a recital by the distinguished tenor James Gilchrist and Southwold-based pianist and composer, and founder of the Concert Series, Nathan Williamson.
James and Nathan are collaborating on various recitals and recordings over the next few years, including a cycle of CDs of British song from 1918 to the present day for the distinguished record label SOMM Recordings. These recordings will begin to be released in 2020.
The programme on May 18th included a new song cycle composed by Nathan, setting texts by the late Bryan Heiser, who lived in Eye on the Norfolk-Suffolk border until his death in 2013. Two magnificent song cycles by Fauré (La Bonne Chanson) and Sir Michael Tippett’s (Boyhood’s End) were performed alongside lighter songs by Poulenc, Holst, Ivor Gurney and Rebecca Clarke.
One of the world’s leading tenors, James Gilchrist has performed in major concert halls throughout the world with conductors including Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Sir Roger Norrington, Harry Christophers, and the late Richard Hickox. Nathan Williamson was brought up in Southwold and returned to live here nine years ago, with recent performances and recordings of classical and contemporary repertoire receiving international acclaim.
The Southwold Concert Series has staged over 50 world-class concerts in the surrounding area since its founding in 2008. Its reputation is based on the renowned musicians and exciting rising stars who come to perform in Southwold, alongside the friendly and informal atmosphere of the concerts, which are usually held in the stunning 15th Century St Edmund’s Church, in the heart of Southwold.
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