Lunchtime Music

Millie Royle soprano
Jonathan French piano

Ravel Cinq mélodies populaires grecque
Hahn Infidelité
Chausson Le colibri
Wolf O wär dein haus
Wolf Auch kleine dinge
Frances-Hoad They bore him barefaced on the bier
Howells Come Sing and Dance
Rorem Alleluia

Summerleaze Winds Quartet
Mate Bagi flute 
Luke Cutler oboe
Rowan Tidball bass clarinet 
Chloe Phipps clarinet 

Programme tbc

Today’s song selection crosses countries and continents.  From France, we’ll hear Ravel’s Greek-inspired set and, from Germany, two songs from the Italian Songbook of Hugo Wolf.  ‘They bore him barefaced on the bier’ is from Two Shakespeare Songs by Britain’s Cheryl Frances-Hoad, lauded by the Sunday Times as “a remarkable talent”.  A carol from Herbert Howells with a hint of the blues, and Alleluia by American Ned Rorem complete the tour.

Millie Royle (pictured) is currently in her fourth year of undergraduate studies at RBC under the tutelage of Rebecca Bottone. A performer from a young age, she began her training in musical theatre, performing with local theatre groups within Greater Manchester.

Many years of one-to-one singing lessons ensured success in 2021 when she obtained a place at The Glyndebourne Academy. Additionally, in 2022 she was awarded the RBC Oakley/Christie Scholarship, earning her the opportunity to perform as the soprano soloiest in Mozart’s Requiem with London Lawyer’s Music in London and Paris.

Based in Birmingham, the Summerleaze Wind Quartet is made up of third year RBC students who love to perform music together. Formed in their first year, they have enjoyed exploring pieces from Mozart to John Williams.

The name Summerleaze is taken from a beach in Cornwall local to bass clarinettist Rowan. Similarly their repertoire takes influences from their local areas and includes arrangements of their favourite film themes and soundtracks.

Running time approx. 55 minutes