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“Colourful, brash, dreamy, light, sassy, catchy, overwrought, ethereal, folksy, soothing and sometimes several of these things at once.”

Classical Net

Join mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley and pianist Michael Curtain for an evening of storytelling over the piano, inspired by the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom, devised by Paul Kildea and Ian Dickson, and written and directed by Constantine Costi.  

William Bolcom, who just celebrated his 85th birthday, occupies a unique place in the repertoire. Not quite art song, not quite cabaret, his settings of Arnold Weinstein's deliciously dry lyrics continue a grand tradition stretching from Schubert to Sondheim of making words dance, fly and sing.   

Hear some of their best-loved songs, from Amor to At the last lousy moments of love, woven into a poignant meditation on life, love and living in the moment. 

“[Anna Dowsley’s] luxuriant mezzo has an almost infinite range of shades…”

Concerto Net

 

  • Selections from  
    William Bolcom Cabaret Songs   

    Lyrics by Arnold Weinstein   

    Concept by Ian Dickson and Paul Kildea  

  • Anna Dowsley
    Mezzo-soprano
    Michael Curtain
    Piano
    Constantine Costi
    Director and script
    Matthew Marshall
    Lighting design
    Grace Barnes
    Dramaturg