An Hour In France
One country, 700 years of music, in one hour
An Hour In France takes you on a musical journey across a country with a rich and complex musical history. Countertenor Joe Levy is accompanied by acclaimed pianist Peter Adcock for a series of concerts that explores the classical tradition of French music and how it evolved between the Late Medieval period and the 20th Century. What’s more, all this takes place within one hour, providing audiences with a lively snapshot view of French classical music that contains plenty of surprises.
From the Baroque decadence of Lully, to the romantic lullabies of Faure, familiar melodies will be set among lesser known works, each telling a different story. Some recount lost love in the Renaissance era, while others are imbued by the legacy of the colonial era and the industrial revolution.
Joe’s performances go beyond performing the pieces and into the realm of history and storytelling, so you will have the chance to not only learn about the music you hear, but also the social history in which these songs are set.
ABOUT PETER ADCOCK
Peter has learnt and performed a broad repertoire of solo, chamber and concerto music from Renaissance to Contemporary music, via Baroque, Classical and Romantic-period popular classics and hidden gems. As well as solo and chamber recitals, he has performed several piano concertos by Mozart and Beethoven. He also gives lecture recitals and masterclasses. In 2009, he recorded a C.D. of his favourite piano pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt and Debussy, entitled ‘Piano Perambulations’, and has plans to record Bach’s inspirational milestone on the piano, Goldberg Variations.
Peter performs internationally with instrumentalists including Crispian Steele-Perkins, Katy Woolley, and David Elton; singers including international opera stars; choirs including the English Mozart Singers and Exeter Festival Chorus; and with directors from Sir David Willcocks to Nigel Perrin. He regularly works with students and professionals in lessons, rehearsals, exams, festivals, concerts, and recordings.