Toad Lane Concerts: John Powell baritone Elin Rees piano

Elin Rees and John Powell

London-born baritone John Powell and pianist Elin Rees gave an exquisite recital of Lieder and English Art-Song at Toad Lane on Wednesday 4 October.

John studied music at Cambridge, before settling in Manchester. He initially taught and ran the choirs at Chetham's for many years, followed by the National Youth Choir, Bolton School and the University of York. He now teaches privately.

He directs several choirs including the John Powell Singers (with whom he has broadcast on BBC Radio nearly 200 times).

Welsh pianist and organist Elin Rees is a freelance accompanist at the RNCM, where she had studied piano whilst also the organ scholar at St Ann’s Church. She continues to be in demand in both disciplines as choir accompanist, resident organist at Bury Parish Church and a recitalist such as at last summer’s Welsh Proms.

They began with the charming Adelaide by Ludwig van Beethoven, followed by his exquisite song cycle An die ferne Geliebte (To the distant beloved). Their authoritative interpretations continued with English Art-songs and folk song arrangements by Malcolm Williamson, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Martin Lessons, Jonathan Dove, E J Moeran and Britten. All worthy of a professional CD recording.

Lieder and English Art-Song require an equal partnership of excellence from singer and pianist. We had this and more in a sophisticated and satisfying recital, beautifully played and sung by these two distinguished northwest performers.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson