The Elements – Water

Pianist Joseph Middleton curates a series of recitals by four leading song singers exploring the theme of The Four Elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. These concerts offer an unmissable opportunity to go on a journey into the rich and fascinating realm of art song.

The sea, rivers, harbours and canals, not to mention fish, mermaids and other water-spirits, are all celebrated in this last recital in the series.

This season, Mary Bevan sings Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro for ENO, Morgana in Alcina for Opera di Roma, and Michal in Saul in Dresden. She recently debuted with the Bavarian State Opera and Zurich Opera House, and made a return to the Royal Opera House. She was awarded an MBE in 2019.

Programme

C Debussy La mer est plus belle

H Duparc L’invitation au voyage

C Gounod Venice

R Hahn La barcheta

G Bizet La Sirène

A Honegger Chanson des sirènes; Berceuse de la sirène

R Schumann Die Meerfee

R Clarke The Seal Man

J Haydn The Mermaid’s Song

C Schumann Lorelei

R Schumann Loreley

F Schubert Die Forelle; Auf dem Wasser zu singen; Des Fischers Liebesglück

H Berlioz L’Île inconnue

G Fauré Les berceaux; À Clymène

E Chabrier L’Île heureuse

Dates

19 Jul 2025

11.15am - 12.15am

Price

£22 - £27

Pianist Joseph Middleton curates a series of recitals by four leading song singers exploring the theme of The Four Elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. These concerts offer an unmissable opportunity to go on a journey into the rich and fascinating realm of art song.

Venue

St John's Church

Booking info

BIF Friends get priority booking from 18 March
Public booking opens 15 April
More info | Become a Friend

Dates, times & booking

  • Sat 19 Jul 2025 11.15am - 12.15pm
BIF Friends get priority booking from 18 March
About Friends Priority Booking

Public booking opens 15 April

Priority Booking
for BIF Friends

To book seats early, join the Friends of Buxton International Festival and become part of our ‘Festival Family.’

Directors’ Circle, Benefactor, Gold Patron Tuesday, 18 March

Patron Tuesday, 25 March

Gold Friend Tuesday, 1 April

Friend and Joint Friend Tuesday, 8 April

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