What’s On
Our 2025 Series DREAMS: A Place
A song series in South East London embracing utopian ideals and cross-cultural dialogue, and celebrating the much-anticipated marital union of Clara and Robert Schumann 185 years ago. The series will run from 10 May until 13 July 2025.
This year we are offering both a Full Series Pass and a Schumann Weekend Pass as part of our ticketing options. Both of these also include access to the Young Artist's Platform in Blackheath Halls (Living Lieder, 5 June), their masterclasses 27-29 June with Pauliina, Stephan and Juliane, and also a late night Lieder Lounge (to be announced soon).
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Series Launch: Myrthen
We launch our recital series with Schumann’s romantic cycle Myrthen, written as a wedding gift for Clara Wieck. The performance will also include works by Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms, and will be performed by acclaimed soprano Francesca Chiejina, Artist-in-Residence bass-baritone Stephan Loges, emerging baritone Isaac Tolley, and SongEasel Artistic Director, Jocelyn Freeman, piano.
Clara and Robert Schumann Listening Club
Our celebrations for the 185th anniversary of Clara and Robert Schumann’s marriage continue with a special Listening Club event featuring some of the composers’ best-loved works.
2025 Artist-in-Residence Stephan Loges joins former SongEasel Young Artist Catherine Hooper and Jocelyn Freeman (piano)
Fringe Performance #1
Begin your weekend with a family-friendly musical treat as we launch our Fringe programme with an eclectic programme of salon, classical and show tunes at Rocketvan Coffee Shop & Bar.
Dichterliebe
Incomparable tenor James Gilchrist joins pianist Jocelyn Freeman for Schumann’s epic Dichterliebe alongside musical settings of lyrical Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. A new commission by Isabella Gellis augments this thought-provoking repertoire, which includes works by William Mathias and Rhian Samuel, and a selection of idyllic English Song.
Lebendige Lieder: Young Artist Platform
Participants in SongEasel’s 2025 Young Artist Programme present a resplendent programme of Lebendige Lieder (Living Song) that captures the utopian ideals and cross-cultural dialogue of the current recital series DREAMS: A Place. Lieder from Robert and Clara Schumann pairs with Goethe and Hafiz settings, culminating with songs from more sociable settings, such as cabaret and salon, in a true celebration of the place of Lieder in today’s society.
Belonging
Exceptional young Zambian baritone Themba Mvula performs a recital of works by Mokale Koapeng, Robert Fokkens and Amanda Aldridge, accompanied by Jocelyn Freeman.
Fringe Performance #2
Stay with us for a family-friendly musical treat from exciting young mezzo-soprano Nafissatu Batu Duramy and Jocelyn Freeman as we continue our Fringe programme. Expect a moving and evocative programme ranging from gems of the Lieder repertoire to songs in French and Bambara.
Fringe Performance #3
Join us for our final Fringe event, performed by exciting young mezzo-soprano Nafissatu Batu Duramy and Jocelyn Freeman in the wonderful space at Rocketvan Coffee Shop and Bar.. Expect a moving and evocative programme ranging from gems of the Lieder repertoire to songs in French and Bambara.
Knight’s Dream
BBC New Generation Artist, stunning mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston presents an inspired programme pairing songs by Héloïse Werner and Fanny Hensel with Schumann’s Dichterliebe, in the original version for mezzo soprano. She is joined by renowned pianist Sholto Kynoch, who makes a welcome return to SongEasel, kicking off our Schumann weekend.
Clara & Robert
SongEasel 2025 Artist-in-Residence Stephan Loges joins Artistic Director Jocelyn Freeman for a heart-warming programme that pays homage to the 185th anniversary of the marriage of Clara Wieck to Robert Schumann 185 years ago. They present a selection of Clara’s songs alongside Robert’s Liederkreis Op 39 and selections from Kernerlieder Op 35.
Frauenliebe und -leben
Star German soprano Juliane Banse partners Finnish pianist Pauliina Tukiainen for a heart-felt conclusion to our Schumann celebrations. Their programme combines rousing Spanish songs with selections from Wolf’s Spanisches Liederbuch and Robert Schumann’s heart-felt Frauenliebe und -leben, his evocation of a woman’s journey in life-long love.
My Journey
Celebrated Jamaican-Indian soprano Nadine Benjamin MBE joins us for our 2025 series finale, with a personal programme outlining her life and journey. Also a renowned coach, she will be joined by her mentees, including soprano Danae Eleni accompanied by Andrea Kmecova, for a programme that features a wide variety of songs and cultural influences.
Schools’ Project Finale Performance - DREAMS: My Place
Schools’ Project Finale Performance - DREAMS: My Place
This year's Schools’ Project brings together four schools from across Lewisham, inspired by the life, letters and poetry of Mary Stuart. Schumann’s Maria Stuart Lieder in English translation by Jeremy Sams are complemented by works by Claudin de Sermisy and Dee Isaacs, and participants’ own works of art in response to our theme.
Ticket prices
Free admission, retiring collection
A Winter Celebration of Song
A Winter Celebration of Song
SongEasel returns to South East London after a stellar 2024 series, presenting an evening of light-hearted classics and Lieder, including Robert Schumann’s Spanische Liebeslieder Op 138 for four singers and piano duet.
We bring together world-renowned artists soprano Ailish Tynan ('mischevieous yet touching' The Times) and James Gilchrist ('has few equals amongst tenors' MusicOHM) with some of the most exciting emerging artists of the time, including the winner of the 2023 Critics' Circle Young Talent award, Francesca Chiejina. With the nurture of young talent at the heart of our mission, former SongEasel Young Artists Jared Andrew Michaud and Jordi Bitlloch will also star alongside exceptional young mezzo soprano Nafissatou Batu Duramy and Artistic Director Jocelyn Freeman. The evening is hosted by the beautiful and historic church referenced by Dickens in Little Dorrit.
Francesca Chiejina soprano
Ailish Tynan soprano
Nafissatou Batu Duramy mezzo soprano
James Gilchrist tenor
Jared Andrew Michaud baritone
Jordi Bitlloch piano
Jocelyn Freeman piano and curator
'A consummate performance in perfect surroundings together with a glass of wine from the bar made this a perfect evening.' Audience member, May 2024
Ticket prices
£10 students, over 65s, and unemployed; under 16s free
Early Bird £5/£12/£30 for side, centre and front seating *available until 10 November*
Full price £7.50/£15/£35 for side, centre and front seating
Reception £25 Early Bird / Full Price £35
The performance will be followed at 8.15pm by a drinks and light buffet reception (ticketed separately), with a chance to meet the artists and celebrate SongEasel.
With deepest gratitude to our artists for giving so generously of their time and talents for this fundraising event.
Series Finale: The Wanderer and The Soldier
Our series finale presents internationally acclaimed tenor Mark Padmore CBE and pianist Jocelyn Freeman in a beautifully curated recital paying homage to two of Lord Byron’s Dulwich classmates: the celebrated pedestrian Captain Robert Barclay and Major-General John Gaspard Le Marchant
Shakespeare in Song
The renowned young Nigerian-American soprano Francesca Chiejina joins Jocelyn Freeman for a celebratory programme of Shakespeare settings to mark the 460th anniversary of his birth
Fringe with Lacey & Lorenz @ Rocketvan
Helen Lacey (soprano) and Stella Marie Lorenz (piano) bring their eclectic programme of songs by George Gershwin and Francis Poulenc, as well as a selection of Italian parlour songs to the vibrant outdoor stage in Walworth.
Free admission, retiring collection
Nearest station: Elephant & Castle (12mins walk)
An Evening of Don Juan
The course of Lord Byron’s epic poem Don Juan is plotted through song, featuring prize-winning soprano Ella Taylor with SongEasel Artistic Director Jocelyn Freeman (piano)
Fringe with Anna Sideris @ Rocketvan
Begin your weekend with a family-friendly musical treat as Anna Sideris (soprano) and Jocelyn Freeman (piano) perform an eclectic programme of salon, classical and show tunes at Rocketvan Coffee Shop & Bar.
Free admission, retiring collection
Nearest station: Elephant & Castle (12mins walk)
Fauré: Complete Mélodies
Acclaimed young tenor Gwilym Bowen features with Lucy Gibbs (mezzo-soprano) and Jared Andrew Michaud (baritone) alongside SongEasel Young Artists in an historical performance of Fauré’s complete mélodies across the composer’s centenary weekend.
Fauré: Requiem - Fauré 100
SongEasel presents the 1893 version of Fauré’s iconic Requiem Op. 48, featuring celebrated soprano Elin Manahan Thomas alongside rising star baritone Malachy Frame, and the Corbett Consort.
Fauré Mélodies Masterclass with Roy Howat
Leading Fauré expert Roy Howat guides SongEasel Young Artists through the art of performing the mélodies of Gabriel Fauré
Fringe Performance 1
Helen Lacey (soprano) and Stella Marie Lorenz (piano) perform an eclectic programme of songs including works by George Gershwin and Francis Poulenc, as well as a selection of Italian parlour songs.
Fauré Listening Club
Our celebrations of the one hundredth anniversary of Fauré’s death commence with a special Listening Club featuring some of the composer’s best-loved works. Curated and introduced by Dr Emily Kilpatrick, this informal event will feature Fauré’s Aprés un rêve, Pavane, Dolly Suite, Libera Me from his Requiem and his exquisite Cantique de Jean Racine.
Featuring Helen Lacey (soprano), Johannes Gerges (bass), Oliver Cavadino (flute), The Choir of St Laurence Church, Catford and Jocelyn Freeman (piano/conductor)
Free admission, retiring collection
Nearest stations: 8 mins walk from Catford and Catford Bridge (11 mins London Bridge / 23 mins Blackfriars)
Recital Series Launch: The Land of Lost Content
A recital of song featuring Roderick Williams OBE (baritone), Iain Burnside (piano) and Leon Bosch (double bass)
Roderick Williams Song Masterclass
Leading baritone Roderick Williams OBE guides SongEasel Young Artists through the art of performing song, in this engaging event open to all.
Young Artists' Platform: Community Performance Platform 4
The last in the series of performances in which our young artists get the opportunity to perform to elderly residents of Lewisham. This performance will be curated by pianist and vocal coach, Sholto Kynoch.
Quintessential Song Series: Eventide till Dawn
Britten's Canticle V concludes ‘Quintessential Song’ with a recital for voice and harp in Catford. Acclaimed Northern Irish soprano Aoife Miskelly joins forces with former Royal Harpist Anne Denholm for a stunning programme including works by Britten and Barber.
Free Admission, retiring collection
SongEasel Fringe: Heather Lowe
Our final fringe event sees Heather Lowe returning to give her mix of musical styles at RocketVan cafe. Come and join us in the relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the delicious food and drink on offer.
Young Artists' Platform: Community Performance Platform 3
The third of a series of performances in which our young artists get the opportunity to perform to elderly residents of Lewisham. This performance will be curated by pianist and vocal coach, Libby Burgess.
This concert features Helen Lacey and Stella Lorenz
Quintessential Song Series: Summer Celebration
SongEasel comes to Hatcham for this exciting programme of collaborative Lieder for not one, but up to five accompanists in celebration of their fifth birthday.
Schubert's Trout Quintet features alongside Lieder by Schubert and Finzi, perofrmed by former New Generation Artist James Newby (baritone), renowed South African bassist Leon Bosch, the acclaimed Piatti Quartet and pianist and SongEasel Artistic Director Jocelyn Freeman.
A pre-concert talk at 5pm will feature Leon Bosch discussing his background and vision for equality which has inspired his own personal and musical journey.
Ticket price £5-25
Young Artists' Platform: Masterclass
Five song duos (singer and pianist) from the SongEasel Young Artist programme will be performing to an audience with pianist and Lecturer of Lied at the Sibelius Academy, Helsinki, Keval Shah providing invaluable guidance for the participants. This is a fascinating opportunity to hear some young talent and to find out what goes into a final performance.
This event has limited seating for audience members - please email songeasel@gmail.com by 3rd June to secure your place to observe this special event.
SongEasel Fringe: Lorena Paz Nieto
The fourth fringe event features the return of a favourite SongEasel performer Lorena Paz Nieto. This concert will take place straight after the main event and is at the Ninth Life Pub in Catford. Come and join our eclectic blend of musical styles whilst eating a delicious Sunday roast at the pub.
Quintessential Song Series: Abraham and Isaac
Britten's Canticles II & IV are presented by Ben Johnson and Keval Shah in Catford, paying homage to our humble beginnings in this venue. They will be joined by a wealth of emerging talent, including baritone Theodore Platt and counter-tenor Tim Morgan.
Free Admission, retiring collection
SongEasel Young Artist Performance Platform: Full Fathom Five
SongEasel Young Artist Programme recipients Helen Lacey and Stella Marie Lorenz; Lucy Gibbs and Daniel Adipradhana present a watery early evening recital exploring Shakespeare’s theme of Full Fathom Five through song. These talented young musicians will have received coaching and mentoring leading up to this opportunity and perform a varied programme in a diverse range of languages and musical styles.
Ticket price £10
Young Artists’ Platform: Community Performance Platform 2
The second of a series of performances in which our young artists get the opportunity to perform to elderly residents of Lewisham. This performance will be curated by pianist and vocal coach, Libby Burgess.
This concert features Dominic Felts and Pietro Iacopini
Quintessential Song Series: A World Tour of Song
Rising star, Spanish soprano Lorena Paz Nieto joins pianist Sholto Kynoch for an eclectic programme, taking listeners on a World Tour of Song. Their programme traverses South American tangos and the sophistication French melodie, promising scintillating musical brilliance and a true feast for the senses.
Presented in collaboration with the Friends of Blackheath Halls
Ticket price £10
SongEasel Fringe: Heather Lowe
The third of this year’s fringe events, this evening features mezzo-soprano Heather Lowe with the usual mix of classical, music hall and comic repertoire to delight every audience member. Taking place at the laid-back Hill Station cafe.
Schools’ concert: World Music and Cultures
A showcase performance bringing together six Lewisham primary schools from SongEasel's workshops this year, exploring songs from around the world and self-expression through song. The event will be recorded and filmed, and shared on our YouTube channel in the autumn.
Quintessential Song Series: My Beloved is Mine
Britten's Canticles I & III will be performed by Stuart Jackson in Catford, paying homage to our humble beginnings in this venue, and featuring both works with both sacred and secular influences. Joining this leading young tenor will be hornist George Strivens, and pianist Jocelyn Freeman, and the recital will be introduced by Dr Lucy Walker.
Free Admission, retiring collection
SongEasel Fringe: Anna Sideris
Aoife Miskelly has sadly had to cancel this performance due to illness, but we are delighted to have Anna Sideris returning with her evening of entertainment taking place at Rocketvan cafe, featuring a blend of classical music, songs from musicals, and light-hearted repertoire to delight all listeners.
SongEasel Fringe: Aoife Miskelly
Kicking off the SongEasel Fringe series with a laid back evening of classical, music hall, and light-hearted music sung by Aoife Miskelly, accompanied by curator Jocelyn Freeman.