RUBY HUGHES, JOSEPH MIDDLETON & ENSEMBLE 360

IVES Housatonic at Stockbridge (4’)
IVES Mists (2’)
IVES Serenity (2’)
GRIME Bright Travellers (15’)
BRITTEN Ca’ the yowes (4’)
RESPIGHI Il Tramonto (15’)
RAVEL String Quartet (30’)
PRITCHARD Peace (5’)

Soprano Ruby Hughes is celebrated internationally for her soulful tone, emotional intensity and commanding presence. Together with acclaimed pianist Joseph Middleton, they have created intimate performances and recordings, including their highly praised 2021 release of Helen Grime’s moving song cycle ‘Bright Travellers’, exploring the intense joys and pains of early motherhood.

In the second half, Respighi’s beloved sunset song for voice and string quartet brings Hughes together with the string players of Ensemble 360, who will then share Ravel’s dazzling quartet before being rejoined by this very special guest to conclude with a delicate blessing in song.

“When Hughes sings of fire, you feel the heat. At the word ‘weeping’, your heart breaks.”
★★★★★ The Times

Please note the earlier start time for this concert.

Sheffield Chamber Music Festival runs 13–21 May 2022