Two song cycles by Messiaen

Clara Hugo, Siphamandla Moyake | Soprano

Jan Hugo, Esthea Kruger | Piano

The second concert of Neues Lied presents two of Olivier Messiaen’s soprano song cycles, Poèmes pour Mi and Chants de Terre et de Ciel. Inspired by his marriage, his Catholic faith, and his love of nature, these works are emblematic of Messiaen’s vivid harmonic and emotional world – a world at once mystical, ecstatic, and deeply human.

Poèmes pour Mi is an extended lyrical hymn to Messiaen’s beloved first wife, Claire Delbos, while Chants de Terre et de Ciel celebrates the joy of parenthood following the birth of their son, Pascal. Rich in Messiaen’s signature colours, rhythmic inventiveness, and pianistic brilliance, the cycles explore the full expressive range of the human voice.

The music will be brought to life by husband-and-wife duo Clara and Jan Hugo, alongside Siphamandla Moyake and Esthea Kruger.