Exclusive Message

Once again www.JaneIrwin.co.uk  has an exclusive message from Jane for all her admirers and fans

"2008 has already been an extremely busy year.

The highlight so far has been Das Lied von der Erde in the Schoenberg arrangement with the Aurora Orchestra.

I have to say that making chamber music is for me the most fulfilling musical format. There is a strong sense of everyone working together for a common goal, and people seem to listen more attentively.

We had performances at Aldeburgh and the RAM, both historic and atmospheric venues.

I also had my first foray into Spanish song repertoire when I sang a recital with the up and coming accompanist Nico de Villiers. Here we performed some de Falla songs, which were great fun.

Just a week later I sang a recital with Graeme McNaught who has t be one of the most talented accompanists around, and one of the nicest people. We sang Britten and Stravinsky.

The biggest highlight from the rest of the year has to be Smetana’s Two Widows with Scottish Opera. This will be my first go at playing the romantic heroine when I play the young and beautiful widow Aneka. Quite a change from being strange Wagnerian women !

It is also very exciting to be working alongside an ex-student, Kate Valentine. As ever it is a great thrill to visit the Edinburgh Festival.

For me a great sense of satisfaction is gained from the varied nature of my career. Obviously Mahler, Elgar and Wagner remain as the core of my repertoire.

 

 

 

I do, however, always seem to be learning new music. In the last eight days I have performed 39 songs, mostly from memory, over half of which are new.

I will be singing Frank Martin in Paris, and a tour with the Hebrides Ensemble is planned, to include Schoenberg and Respighi.

What with bringing up a wonderful boy and maintaining a very special relationship life is busy and fulfilling .

Finally, big, big thanks to my loving parents, without whom I would not be able to achieve my goals and desires.

And thank you to all who follow my career and hear me sing."

Jane

June 2008