The Belle ÉPoque: Exploring Salon Music & Poetry

CORINNE MORRIS cello
THE MELICUS DUO soprano and piano

La Belle Époque, l’Invitation au Voyage…
Discover the music of the Belle Époque era on a journey that will lead you from famous works and composers such as Debussy and Saint-Saëns to the hidden gems of songwriters Hahn, Chaminade, Duparc and many more… This series of three concerts is curated by the British/French cellist Corinne Morris.

Recitals in the series:
12 Nov: The Belle Époque: Masterworks for Cello & Piano
19 Nov: The Belle Époque: Exploring Salon Music & Poetry
26 Nov: The Belle Époque: European Chamber Music

The Belle Époque: Exploring Salon Music & Poetry
Selection of songs for high voice by Duparc, Hahn, Delibes, Chaminade, Debussy

Selection of short salon pieces for cello by Godard, Saint-Saëns, Ravel, Fauré

Many of the great songs and salon music from the Belle Époque were based on famous poems of the time and this concert will explore the link between composers and contemporary poets.

Described as 'a triumphant assertion' by Classical Music Magazine, Corinne Morris's relaunch album Macedonian Sessions recorded with the Macedonian Radio Symphony Orchestra, marks the British/French cellist's return to the platform after a debilitating shoulder injury brought her career to a halt for over 5 years.

Corinne has performed throughout Europe and beyond. She was chosen by Rostropovich to perform at his festival in Evian, and subsequently invited to the Verbier Academy in Switzerland. She has made several recordings for the BBC, France Musique, Bayerischer Rundfunk and ORF. Corinne, a student of Raphael Sommer, obtained an ARCM with honours (Royal College of Music, London) before continuing at the prestigious Conservatoire in Paris where she graduated in both cello and chamber-music.

Corinne’s story has inspired many in the music industry and beyond. She has given several interviews for publications including International Arts Manager, Classical Music Magazine, Gramophone and Australia’s Limelight Magazine. Most recently Corinne has been featured on BBC Radio 3's In Tune programme and she gave a highly successful recital at St Martin-in-the-Fields.

The Melicus Duo was formed in 2011 by soprano Marie Vassiliou and pianist Nico de Villiers. The two artists, who share a wealth of international performing experience, are dedicated to performing repertoire from the standard classical canon as well as neglected and undiscovered composers.

Their most recent recording of the songs of Dutch-born American composer Richard Hageman will be released on the Toccata Classics label in 2015. Their repertoire also includes contemporary works by, amongst others, Henri Dutillieux and Michael Tippett. Marie and Nico have taken part in various festivals and led workshops and classes in concert repertoire and performance across the UK and abroad.

Ticketholders are invited to enjoy the Club's exclusive bar and lounge before and after the performance.