Sheffield pianist returns from Austria for special Swinton recital with acclaimed soprano Sarah Fox
Sheffield-based pianist David Barnard will mark his return to South Yorkshire following three seasons working professionally in Austria with a special recital at St Margaret’s Church, Swinton, South Yorkshire on Sunday 15 November at 2pm.
Entitled From Mozart to Anything Goes, the afternoon concert will also feature acclaimed Yorkshire-born soprano Sarah Fox as special guest, bringing together two musicians whose careers have taken them from Yorkshire to concert halls and opera houses around the world.
Fox is one of Britain’s leading sopranos and a former winner of both the Kathleen Ferrier Award and Glyndebourne’s John Christie Award. Her career has included appearances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Glyndebourne and the Salzburg Festival, alongside an international concert career with leading orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic.
Barnard has recently returned to Sheffield after three seasons working in the Austrian opera-house system. His wider career as a pianist, conductor and vocal coach has taken him across the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
The recital promises a deliberately eclectic journey through several centuries of music: from Mozart and Purcell through Britten and exquisite French repertoire to the wit and glamour of Cole Porter and George Gershwin.
At the heart of the afternoon will be Barnard’s own Bechstein grand piano, which is housed at St Margaret’s and will be heard in the intimate acoustic of the church.
The concert will last approximately one hour, without an interval, with refreshments served afterwards and an opportunity to stay and enjoy the surroundings.
There is no conventional ticket price. Admission is by donation — audiences are simply invited to pay what they can.
“For me, the most important thing is that people feel able to come,” says Barnard. “High-quality live music should be something people can simply come in and enjoy. I’d much rather someone sat down, listened to some wonderful music and discovered something they loved than worried about whether they could afford a ticket.
“After three seasons in Austria, it feels very special to be performing again here in South Yorkshire. And with Sarah joining me, we can offer an afternoon that moves through several centuries and styles — there really should be something for everyone.”
FROM MOZART TO ANYTHING GOES
David Barnard · piano
Special guest: Sarah Fox · soprano
Sunday 15 November · 2pm
St Margaret’s Church, Swinton, South Yorkshire
Approximately one hour · No interval · Refreshments afterwards
Admission by donation — pay what you can.