The Story Noel Mewton-Wood

12:30pm Pre-concert Q&A with Composer Raymond Yiu

Australian born pianist, Noel Mewton-Wood, gave his British debut at the Queen’s Hall (now destroyed, but formerly on Langham Place) at the age of 17, under the baton of Sir Thomas Beecham, having come to study at the Royal Academy of Music (across the road from St Marylebone parish church). Fourteen years later, following an illustrious performing career, he committed suicide, blaming himself for the death of his lover, William Fredrick, with whom he lived. Benjamin Britten wrote his Canticle III for Mewton-Wood's memorial concert. Artistic and life-long partners, Peter Pears and Benjamin Britten also performed Mewton-Wood’s As ye came from the holy lands at the same concert. This concert tells his story. The performance will include music by Beethoven, Britten, Mewton-Wood, Stravinsky, Lehár , Tippett , Bliss

James Robinson, tenor

Adam Sullivan, tenor

David Jones, baritone

Benjamin Pollock, horn

Gavin Roberts, piano