Leeds Lieder Closing Gala Recital

From the Leeds Lieder website:

"Sir Simon Keenlyside, one of the world’s great Lieder interpreters, makes his long-awaited Leeds Lieder debut in possibly the greatest challenge in the genre, Schubert’s enduring song cycle Winterreise.  “Wielding a voice of seemingly infinite colour and the talents of a seasoned actor,” wrote the ‘Cleveland Plain Dealer’ recently, “the British singer held Reinberger Chamber Hall in the palm of his hand for 75 whole minutes with the tale of a dejected lover on the brink of self-destruction”.

He is joined by Leeds Lieder Director, Joseph Middleton, recently described by ‘Klassik Heute’ as “one of the best piano accompanists of our time.”

With regret Dame Sarah Connolly has had to withdraw from the previously announced recital. A new date in the autumn with the same programme will be announced in due course. Leeds Lieder are thrilled that Sir Simon Keenlyside has agreed to step in to close the Leeds Lieder Festival."

Programme

Franz Schubert - Winterreise D911

This recital is now available to watch on the Leeds Lieder YouTube channel. Click on the link below:

Link to the Leeds Lieder Closing Gala Recital

If, after watching the recital, you would like to make a donation to Leeds Lieder, you can do so via the Leeds Lieder Angels appeal crowdfunding campaign - just click on the link below.

Link to Leeds Lieder Angels crowdfunding campaign

Simon is one of many artists appearing in the 'Leeds Lieder Angels' video, appealing for financial help to support this year's festival, as all Arts Council England funding for 2023 has been withdrawn.

Click here to watch the video

SOUNDBITES

"...A sizeable audience listened in total silence to this towering performance of Schubert’s great work, despite the extreme heat – then burst into thumping, stamping applause – and rightly so...This was as fine an example of Lieder singing and playing as you could wish for...."

"...To describe the interpretative insight of of legendary baritone Sir Simon Keenlyside and pianist Joseph Middleton as mesmeric is not an overstatement. ..."

Our thanks to Leeds Lieder and their photographer, Light Attitude, for permission to use the official photos of Simon and Joseph Middleton from the Closing Gala Recital on 17 June 2023. All photos in the Official Gallery below are © Light Attitude.