Classical season launches at Pembroke College’s new auditorium

The new season of classical concerts in Cambridge gets off to a flying start with two much anticipated performances in Pembroke College’s refurbished auditorium.

The 200-seater chamber hall, a former United reformed Church, is complete with a Steinway piano, paving the way for a new season of world-class vocal recitals, beginning with Sir Simon Keenlyside, and Dame Sarah Connolly, as part of the Bliss International Song Series

Founded and Directed by Pembroke Bye-Fellow and College Musician, the internationally acclaimed pianist Joseph Middleton, the series offers a year-round programme of concerts devised to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of art song with the world’s leading opera stars. Previously, the series took place in the Old Library at the college.

Joseph Middleton, who performs and curates the series, said: “Pembroke College remains the single most important place for song recitals in the region, attracting the world’s finest singers to perform the greatest repertoire in front of a warm and discerning audience.

“The opening of the superb new Pembroke Auditorium is the icing on the cake. Cambridge now boasts a stunning chamber music hall, perfect for this intimate art-form. I am particularly drawn to the marriage of text and music and it is this that makes Lieder such a special corner of the repertoire. The rich tapestry of subject matter encourages us to look into ourselves for reflection and the very nature of this music-making, one that is collaborative (poet and composer, singer and pianist, performers and audience) encourages community and thoughtful exchange.”

The upcoming concerts at the auditorium are Sir Simon Keenlyside, baritone and Joseph Middleton, piano on Thursday, October 5 and Dame Sarah Connolly, mezzo-soprano & Joseph Middleton, piano on Wednesday, November 1. Box office: cambridgelive.org.uk.