(4 / 5)

Further discoveries in music of past has led to some wonderful discoveries. It would appear many have not got a look in with recognition until recently.

This concert at Wigmore was one of these discoveries. Mel Bonis (1858-1937) was a French composer regarded as a talent in the golden era of song writing in her century. Scandal, children out of wed lock, sexism, artistic yearning and this the fairly sad story that makes up her life. We heard all this delivered with grace and frankness from speaker Audrey Hyland. It’s easily another story of a female composer that should  have a film made about her.

These songs are accessible, they are honest and a fine handling of the written word is evident. This concert which was light and open, began with Songe, La mer and Le chat sur le toit, all proof of her talents. With two sopranos: Susanna Davis and Bella Marslen, they worked hard on these songs, accented and vocally alluring. They might want to check on airier high notes which did not quite land well. Mezzo Cecilia Yufan Zhang might have been the most interesting singer, the voice blended well with the allure of these eloquent, restrained offerings.

Countertenor Will Prioir will age into the singing group, not quite there just yet. Though his few selections had charm and romance. Sam Hird, baritone, was used little though had command in the odd song he was in. We had two sharp pianists with Louis-Victor Bak and Firoze Madon, talents who held these frank pieces as concentrated support for the singers. It’s important to see young people share with us lesser heard composers.

Chanson catalane was a flavour of Spain, Un soir a gentle flutter and the three ladies singing the wrap up Ave Maria, was sweet, if not the most compelling take. There seems to be much more of Bonis we have yet to hear, no doubt more is planned for the future. This is rather interesting to keen ears.