Bliss Song Series: Roderick Williams OBE, baritone

Roderick Williams OBE, baritone & Joseph Middleton, piano Tuesday 16 June 2026, 7.30pm Pembroke College Auditorium, Cambridge Bliss Song Series Programme: "Love flows as the brook flows…" Franz Schubert – Das Wandern / Somewhere George Butterworth – Loveliest of Trees Joan Trimble – Green Rain Ralph Vaughan Williams – The Vagabond Franz Schubert – Wohin? / Where now? Ina Boyle – A Song of Enchantment Gerald Finzi – Overlooking the river Franz Schubert – Der Neugierige / Curiosity Ralph Vaughan Williams – The Water Mill Rebecca Clarke – Down by the Salley Gardens Franz Schubert – Ungeduld / Impatience Michael Head – Tewkesbury Road Franz Schubert – Mein! / Mine! -Interval- Franz Schubert – Mit dem grünen Lautenbande / The Green Ribbon Ralph Vaughan Williams – Silent Noon Roger Quilter – Brown is My Love Franz Schubert – Der Jäger / The Huntsman Gerald Finzi – He Abjures Love Franz Schubert – Die liebe Farbe / Her Favourite Colour John Ireland – We'll to the Woods No More Roger Quilter – By a Fountainside Herbert Howells – The Sorrow of Love Benjamin Britten – O Waly, Waly Franz Schubert – Des Baches Wiegenlied / The Brook Sings a Lullaby One of Britain's most beloved baritones, Roderick Williams OBE returns to the Bliss Song Series for an evening of song with renowned pianist Joseph Middleton. With a voice praised for its warmth, expressivity, and clarity, Williams is a master communicator on the recital platform, bringing equal nuance to Schubert and Schumann as to contemporary song. A celebrated artist on international opera and concert stages—from Covent Garden and La Scala to New York Philharmonic and BBC Proms—Roderick Williams is also a devoted recitalist, and has performed all three Schubert cycles at Wigmore Hall. His deep connection to English song and passion for new music have made him a unique voice in the world of art song. He is joined by Joseph Middleton, "the cream of the new generation" (The Times), whose artistry and deep musical partnership with singers has made him a leading figure in song accompaniment today. You can watch Roderick Williams and Joseph Middleton perform Benjamin Britten's Foggy, foggy dew at Leeds Song Festival here. PRE-CONCERT TALK 6.45-7.15pm (on stage): Pre-concert talk with Lord Chris Smith, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and former Master of Pembroke