Samling Artist duo baritone Neil Balfour and pianist Sid Ramchander will be premiering ‘Untold Lives’ at Oxford Song on Wednesday 15 October.
The title work of their recital is a new cycle written for the duo by Cheryl Frances Hoad using a libretto assembled by
Neil from letters sent by Indian soldiers during World War I. The programme also includes songs by Shruthi Rajasekar and Reena Esmail drawing on both Indian and Western traditions.
The project is part of our Samling and Song initiative, giving the duos residencies to develop and rehearse new programmes
in partnership with the Hugo Burge Foundation. As part of the award, Neil and Sid will also receive mentoring from Joan Rodgers CBE and actor James Garnon.
They plan further performances in the North of England, giving Asian communities a rare opportunity to see their culture reflected in art song.
‘The subject matter that has a personal connection to me and my family. To combine the exploration, work and discovery of this special project with my Samling family is just a dream come true. I couldn’t really ask for more than having some of my favourite artists and facilitators all coming together to make this new music happen.’ Sid Ramchander
