The Past & I:
13th June, St. George's Bristol - 7:30pm
Lotte Betts-Dean | Ligeti Quartet | James Girling TICKETS HERE 25th July, Quilter Hall, Wells - 7:30pm Lotte Betts-Dean | James Girling TICKETS HERE 26th July, Cheap St. Church, Sherborne - 7:30pm Lotte Betts-Dean | James Girling TICKETS HERE 27th July, Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Cattistock - 7:30pm Lotte Betts-Dean | James Girling TICKETS HERE 28th July, St. Michael's Church, Stinsford, Dorchester - 8pm Lotte Betts-Dean | James Girling TICKETS HERE |
Album release: 19th July 2024
This collaboration between mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean and composer Arthur Keegan celebrates Thomas Hardy’s special place in art song over the last 100 years.
The album includes new arrangements of beloved music by Finzi and Britten alongside beautiful songs (some unearthed from archives) by Imogen Holst, Muriel Herbert, Ivor Gurney, Robin Milford and Derek Holman. At its heart are three new pieces composed specially for the project: Kerry Andrew’s haunting setting of Hardy’s The Echo Elf Answers and a pair of song cycles by Arthur Keegan exploring the poet’s complex relationship with his first wife Emma and his obsession with the passage of time.
Through close collaboration with the composer, Lotte Betts-Dean’s unique vocal qualities, charisma and expressive emotional range have fundamentally shaped this celebration of Hardy and song.
The album includes new arrangements of beloved music by Finzi and Britten alongside beautiful songs (some unearthed from archives) by Imogen Holst, Muriel Herbert, Ivor Gurney, Robin Milford and Derek Holman. At its heart are three new pieces composed specially for the project: Kerry Andrew’s haunting setting of Hardy’s The Echo Elf Answers and a pair of song cycles by Arthur Keegan exploring the poet’s complex relationship with his first wife Emma and his obsession with the passage of time.
Through close collaboration with the composer, Lotte Betts-Dean’s unique vocal qualities, charisma and expressive emotional range have fundamentally shaped this celebration of Hardy and song.
Support & Funding
Creation of the music and recording was supported and funded by individuals as well as arts institutions, trusts, societies, estates and organisations. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has given their time, advice and money toward this project.
Patrons:
Anna & Ian Taylor | Dave Green | David Fay & Rachel Hodgins | James Allen | Neal Farwell | Toby & Marie-Louise Fay
Commissioners:
John Warnes | Marilyn Kinnon | Helen M. Macrae
Creation of the music and recording was supported and funded by individuals as well as arts institutions, trusts, societies, estates and organisations. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has given their time, advice and money toward this project.
Patrons:
Anna & Ian Taylor | Dave Green | David Fay & Rachel Hodgins | James Allen | Neal Farwell | Toby & Marie-Louise Fay
Commissioners:
John Warnes | Marilyn Kinnon | Helen M. Macrae