Bliss International Song Series: Iestyn Davies

A celebrated recitalist with repertoire ranging from Dowland to Clapton, countertenor Iestyn Davies he has twice been awarded the Gramophone Recital Award. He is a regular favourite at London’s Wigmore Hall and Kings Place where he has curated residencies. In 2017 he won the Gramophone Baroque Vocal Award and was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to Music.   He is also the recipient of a Royal Philharmonic Society Award and was nominated for an Olivier Award for his singing role in Farinelli and the King opposite Mark Rylance (premiered at London’s Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and transferring to the West End and Broadway).

Iestyn read Archaeology and Anthropology at St John’s College, Cambridge, then studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London. He has gone on to perform on the world’s leading opera and concert stages and is widely recognised as one of the world’s finest singers, celebrated for the beauty and technical dexterity of his voice and intelligent musicianship.

Accompanied by Joseph Middleton, Iestyn will be performing a wealth of music from different traditions exploring the heavens and the divine. Tickets cost £25 / £5 for students and unwaged. Book now.

Full programme

WILLIAM CROFT
A Hymn on Divine Musick (realised by Benjamin Britten)

BENJAMIN BRITTEN
Canticle I: My beloved is mine Op. 40

THOMAS ADÈS
Darknesse visible

JOHN DOWLAND
In darkness let me dwell

HELEN GRIME
Harp of the North

GERALD FINZI
Let us garlands bring Op. 18

INTERVAL

CHERYL FRANCES-HOAD
Star Falling

HENRY PURCELL
A Fool's Preferment Z571:
–I'll sail upon the dog-star (realised by Benjamin Britten)

NICO MUHLY
New-Made Tongue
Falling Berceuse

GEORGE BUTTERWORTH
6 Songs from A Shropshire Lad

BENJAMIN BRITTEN
Night Piece (Notturno)

NICO MUHLY
From 4 Traditional Songs:
–A brisk young lad
–The bitter withy

HENRY PURCELL
Now that the sun hath veiled his light (An Evening Hymn on a Ground) Z193 (arranged by Thomas Adès)