Shriver Hall Concert Series

Ian Bostridge's recital on March 9th was his first return to the Balimore in more than 15 years. Joined by his longtime collaborator pianist Julius Drake, the acclaimed English tenor presented a recital of works by John Dowland, Gerald Finzi, Franz Schubert, Roger Quilter, Ivor Gurney, Erich Korngold, and Benjamin Britten. The first half featured texts by William Shakespeare and the second was comprised of Britten's song cycle The Holy Sonnets of John Donne.

Mark Driesonstck of Maryland Theatre Guide writes: “This concert by Ian Bostridge and Julian Drake was a rare opportunity for audiences to enjoy the niche of the art song tradition applied to major English poets by two masters and scholars of their craft.” Read the full review.

Tim Smith, retired music critic of The Baltimore Sun and who now blogs at bytimsmith.com mused on the recital's theme of death and dying concluding, "This is tough stuff, for performers and listeners alike, but Bostridge and Drake succeeded at every turn in making the music speak with a commanding eloquence." Read the full review.