Wigmore French Song Exchange 2026 at the Salle Cortot in Paris
About the Event
Dame Felicity Lott
We are saddened by the recent death of Dame Felicity Lott, one of the most successful British sopranos in living memory, who had a particularly close association with Wigmore Hall. As a much-loved artist, she appeared here for over 50 years, receiving the Wigmore Hall Medal in February 2010 for her exceptional contribution and more recently serving as a Trustee. We extend our sympathy to her family.
Dame Felicity Lott was a vital part of the Wigmore French Song Exchange programme, working on it for six editions from 2019-2026, mentoring 48 singers and 10 pianists. As part of the scheme, Dame Felicity helped produce 18 concerts at Wigmore Hall and at the Salle Cortot in Paris, and through one-on-one coaching, group masterclasses and mentoring, she shared her expert knowledge and love of French song, nurturing young artists with her warm and personal teaching style at an early stage of their careers.
The prestigious Wigmore French Song Exchange, led by Dame Felicity Lott, François Le Roux and Sebastian Wybrew, returns for its sixth edition. Following a year of mentorship in French mélodie, the scheme culminates with showcase performances, including one in the historic Salle Cortot in Paris. This intimate venue, akin to Wigmore Hall, hosts all eight singers and selected pianists in ensemble works and expressive solo interpretations of mélodies, showcasing the next generation of French-song talent.
This year we celebrate a rich cross-Channel dialogue, exploring English settings of French poetry and French songs on English texts, including works by English composers such as Maud Valerie White, Adela Maddison, Britten and Berkeley setting words by Hugo, Verlaine and Baudelaire, alongside French composers including Gounod, Hahn, Massenet and Poulenc inspired by Shakespeare, Tennyson and Byron – a true ‘exchange’ of language, culture and song.
Places à €10 (plus frais de réservation) total 11,85 €
Tickets €10 (plus booking fee) total 11,85 €
https://wigmorefrenchsongparis.eventbrite.co.uk