In constant demand at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, award-winning English tenor John Mark Ainsley performs only rarely in his native country. Presenting a very personal selection of favourite German and English songs perfectly suited to his subtle voice, this is a very rare opportunity to experience one of the most versatile singers of our time in an intimate recital.

At the heart of the programme lies one of the 19th century’s great song cycles, Robert Schumann’s Liederkreis op.39. The 12-song cycle, formed from an unconnected set of poems by German Romantic poet Joseph von Eichendorff, is preoccupied with the transience and mystery of life, the beauty of night, moonlight, nature, and the splendour of love.

Artfully interweaved and contrasted with works by Brahms, Quilter, Howells, Guerney and Warlock, this is an evening celebrating the beauty of the human voice and the power of classical song. 

Piano: Roger Vignoles