18th April [HL:578114]

“My latest piece has a rather nice story attached to it. I was asked by my good friend Helen Charlston if I would set a poem she had written called '18th April'. This date has special significance, as it was supposed to be her wedding day. Sadly, the wedding had to be postponed. During their time in isolation, Helen and fiancée Mike have been curating a wonderful series called #LiederRelay, in which they take turns at the piano to accompany each other singing songs from Brahms to Schubert. Helen surprised Mike with a copy of this piece on their 'wedding day that wasn't quite'. In '18th April', they each take turns at the piano, swapping around during the course of the piece before joining each other at the end. Helen and Mike recorded a version of this piece from their home in April 2020. This published version is for mezzo, baritone and piano.” -Owain Park