Soprano
Lucy Crowe
Widely regarded as one of the most versatile and respected singers of her generation.
St George's Church, High Street, Deal, CT14 6BA
Vivaldi Spring (from Four Seasons): Allegro
Trad. The Lark in the Clear Air
Price Little Pastorale
Trad. She’s Like the Swallow
Handel As When the Dove Laments Her Love
Blasio Kavuma New Work (world premiere)
Messiaen The Lovebird of the Star from Harawi
Strauss At Sunset from Four Last Songs
Interval
Haydn Symphony no. 83 'The Hen'
Berg The Nightingale from Seven Early Songs
Sherwin A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
Gershwin Little Jazz Bird
Gershwin Summertime
Arrangements by Harry Baker, James Ledger, and Paul Schäffer
Birdsong has been a source of inspiration to composers for many centuries. They have quoted, imitated, and interpreted the singing of our aerial neighbours across a wide range of genres.
This summer, Fantasia Orchestra explores some of these beautiful examples of birds in music. Joined by acclaimed soprano Lucy Crowe OBE, we fly between styles, allowing Berg to perch next to Haydn, and Handel to soar side-by-side with a world premiere by Blasio Kavuma.
No birdsong programme would be complete without Messiaen, and we look forward to giving the premiere arrangement of The Lovebird of the Star by Fantasia collaborator Harry Baker.
The concert ends with luscious early twentieth century harmony from both classical and jazz worlds. Berg's The Nightingale segues into Sherwin's timeless classic of the same name, and Gershwin's Little Jazz Bird and Summertime bring the evening to a close, a perfect sentiment for the time of year.
Widely regarded as one of the most versatile and respected singers of her generation, Lucy Crowe was awarded an OBE in the 2023 King's birthday honours. With repertoire ranging from Purcell, Handel and Mozart to Donizetti’s Adina and Verdi’s Gilda, she has sung with opera companies and orchestras all over the world.
Tom Fetherstonhaugh is Artistic Director of Fantasia Orchestra, which he founded in 2016.
This year, Tom returns to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, Ulster Orchestra, and Orchestra of Opera North, and makes his debuts with the BBC Philharmonic and Manchester Camerata.
St George's Church, High Street, Deal, CT14 6BA