The programme marks the 50th anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s death and the 70th anniversary of The Heart of the Matter, first performed in 1956. Alongside Britten’s work, the recital explores this distinctive instrumental combination through music by Strauss, Berlioz, Donizetti and Schubert (in a world-premier arrangement by Brian Hughes), highlighting both the expressive possibilities and enduring appeal of this intimate ensemble.
Programme
Richard Strauss
Alphorn
Hector Berlioz
Le jeune pâtre breton
Gaetano Donizetti
L’amor funesto
Franz Schubert (arr. Brian Hughes)
Auf dem Strom
Benjamin Britten
The Heart of the Matter and Canticle III
Alphorn
Hector Berlioz
Le jeune pâtre breton
Gaetano Donizetti
L’amor funesto
Franz Schubert (arr. Brian Hughes)
Auf dem Strom
Benjamin Britten
The Heart of the Matter and Canticle III
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Naomi trained at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest. Opera work includes regular chorus and Comprimario roles for Opera Holland Park, and founding Opera Alegrìa, most recently singing Geraldine in Barber’s A Hand of Bridge and Aurora in The Portrait of Manon. Naomi sang the title roles in Handel’s Susanna (2026), and Semele (2024) with Richmond Opera, and also regularly works with OHP’s award winning Inspire outreach programme, with the Dementia Charity, Lost Chord, and regular recital programmes for Bach to Baby. A keen recitalist, Naomi has performed all over the UK and in Europe.
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Christopher trained and worked in musical theatre in South Africa. He moved to the UK and crossed over to classical repertoire when he joined Opera Holland Park in 2009. He created the role of Francis Bacon in Stephen Crowe's critically acclaimed Francis Bacon Opera which he performed in Edinburgh, Dublin and Berlin. Also for Crowe, he created the roles of Bishop of Woolwich and Richard Hoggart for the Lady Chatterley Trial. In 2023 he performed Ned Rorem songs at the London Song Festival and twice performed a “reimagined” Dido in the Stroud Arts Festival in 2025 and 2026. Christopher regularly sings with, and has co-produced and appeared in many Opera Alegria productions (most recently as Tiberge in Portrait De Manon).
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Isabella grew up in Bromley, where Bromley Youth Music Trust was central to her musical development. She graduated from Royal Academy of Music in 2022 with First Class honours, followed by a Master’s at Guildhall School of Music and Drama on the Orchestral Artistry course. She graduated in 2024 with Distinction. Whilst at Guildhall, Isabella joined CATIL Quintet, an award-winning wind quintet with whom she performs regularly. She is also a member of esteemed ‘flexi-ensemble’ dectet, Meliora Collective. Isabella is currently on trial for positions with BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and English National Ballet Philharmonic. She also freelances with orchestras including London Mozart Players, Philharmonia Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Isabella was a member of Sinfonia Smith Square (formerly Southbank Sinfonia) 2024/2025 and was horn fellow with Philharmonia Orchestra 2025/2026.
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Kaishun is a London-based collaborative pianist who works regularly with singers and instrumentalists. A Distinction graduate of the Royal College of Music’s Master’s in Collaborative Piano, she studied with Simon Lepper, Roger Vignoles, Julian Jacobson and Howard Williams. Recognised for her instinctive musicianship, professionalism and reliability, she has a particular passion for song and collaborative performance. A registered RCM External Accompanist and member of its Professional Engagement Service, Kaishun also performs regularly in churches and libraries. Her community contribution was recognised with an award from the Lord Mayor of Westminster in 2026. She recently made her German debut with soprano Elza Loginova at the SommerMusikAkademie Schloss Hundisburg, following their selection for its Masterclass for Song and Piano Accompaniment. Their performance culminated in collaborative study with Patrick Rohbeck and Daniel Heide.
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