Catalan Annual Lecture Concert at Queen Mary University of London, 30th October 2024
Louisa Beard • 5 December 2024
A fantastic performance!
I am thrilled with the positive feedbackreceived from Catalan Studies QMUL:
“….Together, they offered a selection ofCatalan Art Songs by Frederic Mompou, Eduard Toldra, and Jooquim Nin-Culmell.The wonderful Cant dels Ocells (Song of the Birds) topped off their fantasticperformance.”

As I explore the songs of The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár, I find it refreshing to sing about love in such a beautiful and uplifting way. From “Vilia, O Vilia” in which a handsome huntsman falls under the spell of a fair mountain sprite, to the romantic and elegant “Unspoken Love,” with its memorable sentiment that “the world is in love with love, and I love you,” these songs capture the charm and optimism that make operetta so enduring. The operetta repertoire presents different challenges from opera. It requires a lighter vocal approach while still conveying emotional depth, elegance, and sincerity. A timeless gem, that will delight audiences of all ages and offers music that can be enjoyed by family and friends alike.












