Lunchtime Concert In Bradford Cathedral On 19 June Hosted By The Delius Society

The Frith Rolfe Piano Duo bring Frederick Delius back to his hometown along with some kindred spirits in a FREE Lunchtime Concert hosted by The Delius Society at Bradford Cathedral on Friday 19 June at 1:00pm.

Hosted by The Delius Society, a free lunchtime concert is taking place at Bradford Cathedral on Friday 19 June at 1:00pm. Entitled ‘In a Summer Garden – Delius in France’, the programme celebrates Bradford’s internationally famous musical son, the composer Frederick Delius (1862 – 1934), and will be performed by the well-known Yorkshire-based piano duo, Benjamin Frith and Heidi Rolfe.

Alongside those by Delius, the programme includes a selection of French works complementing Delius's deep connection with France, where he eventually settled in an idyllic riverside home that became his muse.

“For our recital, we have brought together two works by Delius which are imbued with a sense of the natural world which so inspired the composer” says Benjamin Frith, “alongside delicious four hand pieces by some kindred spirits; leading French composers Ravel, Chabrier and Mel Bonis, with their abundance of sensual impressions.”

Who was Frederick Delius?

Born Fritz Delius, (later anglicised to Frederick), in Bradford in 1862, the future composer found his artistic aspirations at odds with the family business interests in the burgeoning wool trade which had brought them from Germany. Having attended Bradford Grammar School, the rebellious youth left to find his own way in the world.

“Delius’ life began in Bradford, but it is not surprising that later years were spent in France, where his musical style seemed more akin” explains Benjamin Frith. “Turning his back on both atonality and previous classical structures, Delius embraced the impressionistic genre, creating his own inimitable musical world.”

Delius lived among pioneering artists in Fin‑de‑siècle Paris and later at Grez‑sur‑Loing, forming friendships with key figures of Modernism including Strindberg, Munch, and Gauguin.

As a true cosmopolitan his musical style absorbed influences from travels in Florida, Norway, Germany, and France, blending African American spirituals, the lyricism of Chopin and Grieg, the drama of Wagner, and the atmosphere of French impressionism.

Today, works such as On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring – featured in the programme – and The Walk to the Paradise Garden, remain among the most well-loved in the classical repertoire.

The Frith Rolfe Piano Duo

Prolific recitalist and recording artist, Benajmin Frith is one of the most versatile, respected and engaging pianists in the UK. With over 80 recordings from Scarlatti to MacMillan, he is at the forefront of the craft of music making. Gold Medal Winner of the Artur Rubinstein Piano Masters Competition and Top Prize Winner of the Busoni International Piano Competition, he joins his wife, pianist and champion of women composers, Heidi Rolfe, to perform as the Frith Rolfe Piano Duo. Much in demand, they have a busy schedule of concerts throughout the UK and abroad. They were honoured to make their official London debut at the prestigious Wigmore Hall, giving a complete Piano Duo Day.

The Delius Society

Founded in 1962, The Delius Society promotes and encourages performances, broadcasts and recordings of works by the composer and encourages the study of Delius’s life and works and those of his associates. Membership includes quarterly publications and access to exclusive recorded events such as concerts and talks. Membership is FREE for under 30s. Find out more about Frederick Delius at the website: www.delius.org.uk

CONCERT DETAILS

Friday 19 June, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Bradford Cathedral

‘In a Summer Garden - Delius in France’

The Frith Rolfe Piano Duo

Programme: Ravel: Mother Goose Suite; Delius: On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring; Chabrier: Romantic Waltz no.2; Delius: In a Summer Garden; Mel Bonis: 6 Valses-Caprice Op. 87

FREE entry, no ticket required. Further details can be found as follows:

Bradford Cathedral

Eventbrite