Leeds, UK – The Leeds Lieder Festival is marking its 20th anniversary with an inspiring program of music exploring the theme Song, the Secret of Eternity. Directed by Joseph Middleton, the Festival will run from April 18 to April 25, 2025, offering audiences a vibrant array of concerts and interactive events that highlight song’s unique power to transcend boundaries of time and culture.
Reflecting on the milestone, Festival Director Joseph Middleton shared his excitement: “Our boldest and most colorful program to date reflects the enduring appeal of song and its ability to connect us across time and culture.” The 2025 Festival line-up will feature world-class artists, new works, and events inviting audiences to explore the beauty of song as a universal language.
The theme Song, the Secret of Eternity takes inspiration from Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran, whose words are echoed in a performance by Egyptian soprano Fatma Said. Her program will culminate with Give Me a Flute, a composition by Lebanese polymath Najib Hankash, emphasizing music’s enduring presence beyond existence.
The Festival will open with Schubert's Winterreise, performed by celebrated baritone Florian Boesch, and close with Christoph Prégardien's rendition of Die schöne Müllerin, paying homage to the classical song repertoire. Other British vocalists like Alice Coote, Kitty Whately, and Roderick Williams will feature throughout, each bringing their unique artistry to the program.
A special highlight of this year’s Festival is the premiere of new works by composer Helen Grime, whose compositions will be performed by soprano Louise Alder with Joseph Middleton on piano. Grime's works are known for their introspective depth, perfectly aligning with the Festival's exploration of timeless themes.
The Festival remains committed to supporting emerging talent, offering masterclasses with esteemed artists like Festival President Elly Ameling, Sir Thomas Allen, and Amanda Roocroft. Young artists will have the opportunity to perform in curated showcases, including a Young Artist Showcase and a late-night Lieder event, highlighting the future of song in an intimate and relaxed setting.
In keeping with its mission to make song accessible, the Festival offers interactive events for all ages, including a Bring and Sing led by Gareth Malone and concerts for schoolchildren. A much-anticipated return of the Leeds Songbook Project will celebrate the city’s artistic heritage through songs inspired by local stories, performed by Leeds Lieder Young Artists.
Several performances will also take place outside traditional venues. Highlights include the Erda Ensemble’s tribute to women in music at North Brewing and a powerful program by Freddie Ballentine and Kunal Lahiry inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Additionally, Alice Coote and Julius Drake’s "Rebellious Recital" will challenge the conventional boundaries of song recital programming.
Pre-concert talks led by figures such as Graham Johnson OBE and Richard Stokes will offer audiences insights into the history and depth of the featured repertoire. To extend access, each Festival performance will be live-streamed, allowing global audiences to experience Leeds Lieder’s vision.
Joseph Middleton invites everyone to join the Festival, noting, “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we can present a program that celebrates the power of song and its profound connection with audiences.”
For complete program details, ticketing, and streaming information, please visit leedslieder.org.uk.
