Wigmore Hall 2012 2013 season announced

"Artistic excellence, innovative programmes and profound communication are the three qualities of the Wigmore Hall's 2012-13 season" states the announcement. It's true. As John Gilhooly says, "The Wigmore Hall must continue to be a hub of innovation and original thinking....I like to encourage artists and ensembles to see the world in their own way and reflect their perspectives in the programmes they bring here. By promoting artists' invention and independence of mind, alongside the best of our own ideas, we can look forweard to many distinguished contributions to out programmes in years to come". Please see the video on the Wigmore Hall site for more.

Schubert Forever is one of the many highlights. The Wigmore Hall introduced Die schöne Müllerin to British audiences in 1904, and his music remains a cornerstone of the Wigmore Hall tradition. Imogen Cooper leads a series of Schubert's complete piano sonatas (including the Grand Duo in C major with Paul Lewis). "Independence of mind and searching musicianship are part of Imogen Cooper's artistic DNA", says the Wigmore Hall, where she's performed for many years and is dearly loved. Numerous song recitals, and complete Schubert string quartets and violin sonatas. Rarities, too, like the Vocal Exercises for two voices D619 and the Kantatas zum Geburtstag des Sängers Johann Michael Vogl, Schubert's distinguished friend.

A Festival of Britten, starts on Noivener 22nd, St Cecilia's Day, which would have been Britten's 99th birthday. The Canticles, Phaedra, (see HERE) The Holy Sonnets of John Donne and many others, plus works for string quartet and for cello, an instrument Britten loved.  The Wigmore Hall will also focus on Frank Bridge, Britten's influential teacher who opened his ears to European music.

Keyboard Visionaries. "The Wigmore Hall today presents more solo piano music than any other venue in Europe" says John Gilhooly, and, I'd add, of an extremely high standard.  András Schiff will play the complete Beethoven piano sonatas, continuing on to 2014, including a marathon performance of both Beethoven's Diabelli Variations and Bach's Goldberg Variations.

Fauré and the Spirit of France will deepen appreciation of Fauré's genius. Chamber music with Quatuor Ebène and the Capuçon brothers, and a five concert song series devised by Graham Johnson. The emphasis is on the programme, not the singing.

Christian Tetzlaff and the Tákacs Quartet  are new Resident Artists and Bernarda Fink is singing a new series of recitals. All this, plus the glorious offerings the Wigmore Hall usually presents. Get your Friends Membership now for a good chance of getting into the many concerts that will sell out fast. Full details HERE. (photo: Russ London)