American Songbook: Lucy Goddard & Siwan Rhys

Following Trump’s election, America’s global political and cultural influence is under intense appraisal. This collaboration between mezzo soprano Lucy Goddard, pianist Siwan Rhys and composers Laura Bowler and Christopher Mayo will survey American politics, society and culture from a British/Canadian perspective.

Surrounding the new commissions by Bowler and Mayo will be little known gems from the American experimental tradition. Lucy and Siwan will perform works by Charles Ives, John Cage, Ruth Crawford Seeger, Milton Babbitt, George Crumb, and two unpublished works by Morton Feldman, never previously performed in the UK. Interwoven into this American songbook will be extracts from Michael Finnissy’s rarely performed song cycle Whitman. The project is generously supported by the PRS for Music Foundation, Hinrichsen Foundation, RVW Trust and Snape Maltings.