Simon Crawford-Phillips and Friends: Vers la vie nouvelle

The Concert

A programme of captivating French music from a century of rapid change: towards a new life – and a new sound.

The Music

Nadia Boulanger gave up composition after the tragically early death of her sister Lili, but became one of the most influential teachers of the last century. In these evocative chamber and vocal works, we hear the subtle, elusive musical language of both Boulanger sisters, in a world of sun, sea and springtime. Boulanger’s pupil Landry contributes a small, but powerfully expressive song; while Sohy’s Anathème burns with intensity.

Instruments appear in a variety of ways, with the violin a literal and poetic presence in Saint-Saëns’ artful chanson. Fauré’s dancing Mandoline sits alongside Poulenc’s tender and fierce sonata, with its central movement depicting a guitar that ‘makes dreams weep’.

The Performers

Featured artist Simon Crawford-Phillips is joined by renowned soprano Sophie Bevan and by regular collaborator Malin Broman, one of today’s most sought-after chamber musicians.

Recorded for future broadcast on BBC Radio 3

Change of Artist

Mary Bevan has been advised to rest during the remainder of her pregnancy and has had to withdraw from the BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime concert at LSO St Luke’s on 10 April. The LSO is extremely grateful to her sister Sophie Bevan for agreeing to step in as soprano soloist alongside pianist Simon Crawford-Phillips and violinist Malin Broman. The programme will remain unchanged. This follows an earlier change of artist when Mary Bevan replaced Roderick Williams, who was no longer available to appear.