concert
An afternoon of Songs with Peter Edge, Rozanna Madylus, & John Whittaker
Sunday, 31st January • 15:00 – 17:00 (doors 14:30)
Organised by Matthew Kleinman
Experience powerful Ukrainian poetry settings alongside Vaughan Williams arrangements and premieres inspired by Ursula Vaughan Williams.
You are cordially invited to a captivating concert celebrating the intersection of music, poetry, and art. Featuring an evocative programme that bridges cultural traditions and includes two world premieres, this is an afternoon of music you won’t want to miss.
Programme First Half
- Three settings of Ukrainian Poetry – John Whittaker
- Song Cycle: ‘Songs of The Open Road’ – settings of the poetry of John Masefield (premiere) – John Whittaker
- Two Ukrainian traditional folk songs ‘
- She’s Like The Swallow’ (folk song) arr. Vaughan Williams
Interval with complimentary tea and cakes
Programme Second Half
- Three Van Gogh Paintings – John Whittaker
- Song Cycle: Silence and Music – settings of the poetry of Ursula Vaughan Williams (premiere)
Peter Edge
Baritone
Shropshire baritone Peter Edge is a Rising Star of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (2025–27), was named a Rising Star of Voice at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2025, and was a finalist in the London Handel Festival International Singing Competition.Peter’s website .
Rozanna Madylus
Mezzo-Soprano
Described as having “an engaging stage presence” (The Daily Telegraph) and giving “compelling performances, offering fluid line and gripping conviction” (Opera Magazine), British-Ukrainian Mezzo-Soprano, Rozanna Madylus, has appeared as a solo artist and chorus member on international stages including English National Opera, The Royal Ballet and Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, Garsington Opera, Festival d’Aix-en-Provence and Birmingham Opera Company. As an active recitalist, she has performed at numerous venues including, The Wigmore Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, The Royal Festival Hall, The Holywell Music Room, The Prokofiev Hall in the Mariinsky Theatre and the St Petersburg Philharmonic. Rozanna’s website.
John Whittaker
Composer
John Whittaker is a composer of mainly small-scale compositions and is one of the most prolific contemporary UK composers of songs – of which he has now written well over 70. His short choral works have been performed in several countries including The USA, The Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland and Sweden. His tuneful, accessible music follows very much in the genre of the 20th century English composers like Vaughan Williams, Walton and Finzi. John lives in Reading, where he served as a full-time teacher until retiring.
John has recently collaborated with baritone, Peter Edge, to perform song recitals featuring his compositions. For this concert they are joined by Rozanna Madylus, (mezzo) for some songs written especially for her. To learn more about his music visit the website:John’s website.
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Accessibility
Our studio is located on the first floor and has only stepped access, which we regret means there is no access for wheelchair users or those who cannot climb stairs.
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Terms & conditions
We respectfully request that both members and non-members abide by the terms of The London Sketch Club’s rules & licensing conditions.
£12 online.
