Presented by 7 Star Arts in support of the ENO Benevolent Fund
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Sofia Kirwan-Baez (voice & piano) presents to you an intimate evening featuring some of French song's most luscious hidden gems, ranging from Nadia Boulanger to Barbara. Peppered by the composers’ fascinating biographies, the recital will also feature songs by Sofia (also a songwriter) who will be presenting her own musical responses (in English) to the texts featured in the recital.
A bit about our composersAmong her 1200 students, Nadia Boulanger taught the likes of Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Michel Legrand, Astor Piazzola and Quincy Jones. Her compositions and pedagogy permeated most of the Western musical landscapes of the 20th century.
Nicknamed “my little Mozart” by Georges Bizet, Cécile Chaminade wrote over 400 pieces, of which 200 are piano pieces. A fantastic song composer, she was the first woman to be made Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur in 1913, a historical moment for the validation of professional female musicians. Nadia’s sister, Lili Boulanger won the famed Prix de Rome in 1918, also the first one granted to a woman. Her song cycle Clairières dans le Ciel (1918) is a prime example of expressionist French music at the turn of the century. Singer-songwriter Barbara’s career, spanning over four decades and stemming from the vibrant Parisian cabaret scene, has inspired French songwriters to this day. Her music played a huge role in painting a picture of post-war France. Her life story is a tumultuous one, and is reflected in her songs’ imaginative poetry. What do all these wonderful people have in common? Their incredible music. Not to be missed. |
Photo by by @Rashkphotography
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Proudly presented by 7 Star Arts supporting the ENO Benevolent FundSet up almost 60 years ago, the ENO Benevolent Fund aims to support ENO performers and those behind the scenes when things go wrong through illness, accident or some other hardship.
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Sofia Kirwan-BaezFresh from her performances as Musetta in Longborough Festival Opera’s La Bohème, Sofia (Young Artist at the National Opera Studio 23/24) has performed at Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Sadler’s Wells, the Royal Opera House (the Crush Room), Wales Millennium Centre, the Royal Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Usher Hall, among others.
She has hosted Cabaret-Piano Lounge nights at the OSO Arts Centre since October 2020. |
Photo by @Rashkphotography
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