Leeds Lieder line-up

'A veritable selection of treats to tempt you to join the warm, inquisitive and knowledgeable audiences at Leeds Lieder to share in some of the most remarkable poetry and music ever written', says the pianist, Joseph Middleton, who has brought together a star-studded line-up of outstanding singers. David Denton reports.

Having entered into a partnership with the Howard Assembly Room, Leeds University, Leeds International Concert Season and Leeds College of Music, the annual Festival has grown into an autumn and winter season, this year offering an exploration of Mahler’s songs together with recitals by three of the most celebrated voices of our time – Sarah Connolly, Anne Schwanawilms and Ian Bostridge.

Opening with two young singers who have moved from the BBC New Generation Artists Scheme to an international career, the young mezzo, Jennifer Johnston, is this season appearing at the Salzburg Festival and La Scala, Milan. She performs Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder and the Ruckert Lieder with songs by Wagner and Liszt (November 5).

With her debut disc chosen as the BBC Music Magazine’s ‘Record of the Month’ the voice of the soprano, Ruby Hughes, was described as a ‘perfect instrument’. Her evening includes Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen and Songs of Youth (October 12).

The third Mahler programme includes Das Knaben Wunderhorn sung by two Kathleen Ferrier Awards winners, the soprano, Gemma Lois Summerfield and baritone, James Newby (March 4).