Kitty Whately mezzo–soprano
Natalie Burch piano

Kitty Whatley and Natalie Burch present a typically inventive programme placing different settings of the same texts side by side. The writer Romain Rolland cited Debussy’s Chansons de Bilitis as the most perfect example he knew of French word-setting. The lyrical songs of Rita Strohl, full of mysticism and symbolism further explore the dreamworld of Bilitis. The sound-world and choice of poetry selected by Rebecca Clarke and Samuel Barber make for fascinating comparisons, writing, as they were, on opposite sides of the Atlantic.

Everyone is welcome at this one-hour concert presented in an informal and friendly setting. There will be a relaxed attitude towards making noise, moving around the space, or reacting to what you see or hear on stage within the auditorium.

This performance is suitable for everyone especially for those looking from a more informal performance environment including people living with disabilities, autism, dementia, or other sensory and/or cognitive impairments.

Please arrive expecting:

A warm welcoming atmosphere

Friendly performers

No bright lights or darkness

No sudden loud noises

A range of seating options from chairs to cushions and no pressure to stay still throughout the performance

Open doors in case people wish to leave and return to the auditorium during the performance

A quiet area outside the performance space

A British Sign Language Interpreter