The Romantic Life of Frédéric Chopin

The third programme of words and music scripted from letters and diaries by Lucy Parham chronicles the romantic life of one the greatest and most popular composers for solo piano – Frédéric Chopin. The narrative follows his turbulent relationship with the controversial literary figure George Sand, their time together in Majorca, his fragile health and his ultimate demise in poverty in Paris at the age of 39. The readings are interspersed with some of his most loved and poignant compositions.

Nocturne received its London première in the London Pianoforte Series at the Wigmore Hall in July 2010 - the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth, with Harriet Walter and Sam West.

Recent and future performances include the British Library, St.George’s Bristol, Salisbury Playhouse, Chichester Festival Theatre, Winchester Festival, Beaumaris Festival, Harrogate Festival, Sheffield University Concert Series and Petworth Festival. Actors include Juliet Stevenson, Alex Jennings, Harriet Walter, Sam West, Emily Bruni, Guy Henry, Emilia Fox, Michael Maloney, Greg Wise and Rosamund Pike.

Nocturne was recently chosen by The Times as “The Best Chopin of the Year”

The Cast: