Hidden Voices: London Show Uncovers Queer Lives of Classical Music Icons

A new performance is coming to London. It reveals the hidden queer stories of famous classical composers. The show is called Hidden Voices: Queer Artists in Exchange.

It combines music and personal letters from artists like Schubert and Tchaikovsky. The goal is to honor identities that were often overlooked or concealed.

Bringing Intimate Stories to the Stage

The performance features songs from six renowned composers. Mezzo-soprano Neelam Brader sings the music. Pianist Judith Valerie Engel provides the accompaniment.

Actor Simon Christian reads from personal letters and writings. This mix dives into the emotional worlds of the artists. It shows their vulnerability and resilience against societal constraints.

A Necessary Historical Correction

The creative team says these queer identities have been deliberately hidden. This is true even within the classical music scene itself. The program provides crucial context and contrast to their famous works.

It answers long-standing questions about their personal lives. According to The Guardian, revisiting historical figures’ identities is a growing trend. This show contributes to that important conversation.

The London premiere promises a rare and intimate look at these celebrated geniuses. Hidden Voices finally gives these artists the full recognition they deserve.

Thought you’d like to know

Who are the composers featured in the show?

The show highlights Franz Schubert, Frédéric Chopin, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ethel Smyth, Francis Poulenc, and Benjamin Britten. It explores their music and their often-concealed queer lives and loves.

When and where is the London performance?

*Hidden Voices* will be staged on November 13 and 14. The performances are at the Space Theatre as part of the Voila! Theatre Festival.

What is the format of the performance?

The show is a blend of musical and literary performance. It features live singing, piano accompaniment, and staged readings from the composers’ personal letters.

Why is this show significant now?

It corrects historical omissions and celebrates queer identities that were previously hidden. This provides a more complete understanding of the artists and their work.

Who created this performance?

The show was developed by the collective QVIA (Queer Voices in Art), formed by Neelam Brader and Simon Christian. They collaborated with pianist Judith Valerie Engel.

Trusted Sources

The Guardian, Reuters, Associated Press