Evocative and lyrical songs such as Wood and Weatherly’s Roses of Picardy and Elgar’s Sea Pictures give the flavour for what promises to be a ravishing afternoon recital by Kathryn Rudge on Bank Holiday Monday in the stunning acoustics of Portico Arts & Heritage Centre in Portaferry.

Mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge is the darling of classical music for good reason. “It doesn’t take long (five notes maybe) to hear why people are so excited. Her mezzo-soprano voice already has tremendous reserves of power, impeccable intonation, the capacity for a gloriously sustained legato and, most interesting of all, a distinctive vocal quality. The timbre has white-hot intensity that extends undiminished through all of two octaves.” The Times

Performing an afternoon concert at 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday (28 May), Kathryn will be accompanied by pianist James Baillieu. Described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘in a class of his own’ James Baillieu has been the prize-winner of the Wigmore Hall Song Competition, Das Lied International Song Competition, Kathleen Ferrier and Richard Tauber Competitions. James has given solo and chamber recitals throughout Europe and further afield. He collaborates with a wide range of singers and instrumentalists including Ian Bostridge, Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Annette Dasch, Markus Werba and Catherine Wyn Rogers.

This recital will be the concluding concert of Festiv’Ards 2018, the four-day festival celebrating the best in classical music that takes place 25-28 May. Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this year’s festival programme includes a free opening concert with pianist Michael McHale on Friday 25 May at 7.30pm. Saturday’s afternoon concert at 2pm features violinist Patrick Rafter before the star choral group The Tallis Scholars perform at 7.30pm. On Sunday, classical guitarist Thibaut Garcia performs at 2pm then the Ficino Ensemble at 7.30pm. Bank Holiday Monday morning starts with organist Daniel Cook at 11am before Kathryn Rudge and James Baillieu take to the stage at 2pm.

For further information on any of the concerts happening during Festiv’Ards please visit www.porticoards.com or buy tickets in person at The Rock Bakery in Portaferry.