USA soprano, Adia Evans, shares her experience of the Building a Recital Programme song course, held in July 2025 as part of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme.

Participating in the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme was a joyful week of music-making; this was my first European programme opportunity, and I am so thankful. From our first introductory performance, I felt surrounded by a community of musicians who shared the same passion, curiosity, and reverence for song repertoire and collaboration. Our musical introductions set the tone for what became a week of discovery, generosity, and intense creative energy!

As the days unfolded, I became increasingly aware of how the programme’s many resources – masterclasses, discussions, coaching sessions, and presentations – combined to create a unique, immersive environment. Our focus area was “Building a Recital Programme” which allowed us all to explore any repertoire we wanted to examine the format of sharing art song. This breadth, in the hands of our instructors Roddy Williams, Malcolm Martineau, and Julia Faulkner, allowed us to explore our possibilities rather than work through a predetermined list of tasks or suggestions. This freedom, paired with expert knowledge of the repertoire and recital, allowed us to take ownership of our choices and to explore more deeply what resonates with us as performers. The result was a sense of autonomy and creative clarity rare in such a structured setting.

Each duo brought their own musical identity, whether folks had worked together for years or for a few days. It was invigorating to see how quickly new ideas, colours, and interpretations emerged from each group. I was so thrilled to have been paired with Anna Gebhardt. Not only was she a beautiful pianist, but she was an absolute ray of sunshine to be in the practice room with each day. We shared so much about what inspired us as artists, and the week made me want to look for opportunities to work with her again. A considerable part of what made me fall in love with the idea of being a professional musician was the ability of music and language to transmute experiences and emotions across cultural or linguistic differences. Anna and I were an excellent example of that.

A highlight of the week was visiting the Red House. Walking through the preserved rooms and seeing the objects that shaped the lives of two influential musical figures enriched my understanding of their artistic world. It is so special to be forging one’s own artistic career in a place created as a haven for exactly that kind of work. Britten and Pears built a home where their identities, creative journeys, and lives could flourish – and ultimately become a legacy. To be invited into that space, to witness the environment that nurtured their creativity, and to explore my own purpose within it was nothing short of inspiring. The artwork, archive, and personal effects offered a vivid glimpse into the souls that rest there, and I will always cherish my time.

I left Aldeburgh feeling not only artistically enriched but also motivated to continue the beautiful work we all strive to create. I am so profoundly grateful to the staff and faculty for fostering such a peaceful, nurturing, and creative environment. Their commitment to supporting each of us in our individual journeys was truly inspiring, and it made this experience one I will carry with me throughout my career.

Adia Evans