Ralph and Ursula met in 1938 when both were married to their respective spouses. Despite their age gap, they embarked on a passionate relationship, and she became his second wife in 1953. Their story is told by Kieran Rayner (Ralph), singing some of the composer’s most beautiful songs, together with words from his letters and writings, and winner of the Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize at the 2019 Cardiff Singer of the World competition, Kate Bray (Ursula) singing settings of Ursula’s poetry, with extracts from her autobiography and biography of Ralph. They are joined by pianist, Nigel Foster, who also devised this superbly-crafted programme.

In memory of Norman & Gwen Hargreaves

Supported by the Vaughan Williams Foundation