From London to Rio: A Journey through Song and Rhythm

'The versatility of de Souza as singer and actor is remarkable.' Seen & Heard International

'Clélia Iruzun is a great ambassador for Brazil.' Musical Opinion

This programme offers a vibrant Atlantic crossing anchored by Villa-Lobos’ atmospheric Big Ben - a 'London Poem' that captures the resonance of the great clock through a uniquely Brazilian lens. From the witty, animal-inspired sketches of Ravel’s Histoires naturelles to the coastal beauty of Marlos Nobre’s Canções de Beiramar, this recital weaves a rich tapestry of urban sophistication and folk tradition. The journey culminates in the sultry, rhythmic brilliance of Montsalvatge’s Cinco canciones negras, celebrating the diverse voices of French and Ibe/rican song.

Maurice Ravel Histoires naturelles

Marlos Nobre Canções de Beiramar Op. 21

Francisco Mignone Congada

Xavier Montsalvatge 5 Canciones negras 

Heitor Villa-Lobos Bachianas brasileiras No. 4 (Selection) | Big Ben | 3 Miniaturas | Viola | Cromos No. 2 | Cromos No. 3

Michel de Souza baritone

Clélia Iruzun piano

Born in Petrópolis, Brazil, Michel de Souza studied organ, singing and conducting at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, before specialising in opera. He later completed a Master’s degree in Opera with distinction at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and was a member of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme at the Royal Opera, Covent Garden. Michel de Souza has performed with major opera companies and orchestra in roles such as Figaro, Don Giovanni, Germont, and Marcello, alongside an active concert and recital career.

Anglo-Brazilian pianist Clélia Iruzun is internationally acclaimed for her powerful artistry and distinctive interpretations of European and Latin American repertoire. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she made her orchestral debut at fifteen and has since performed over 30 piano concertos with leading orchestras worldwide. She appears regularly at major international venues and festivals, including Wigmore Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, La Roque d’Anthéron, and concert halls across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with frequent broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. A tireless champion of Brazilian music, her critically praised discography for Naxos and other labels includes award-nominated concerto recordings and landmark albums devoted to Villa-Lobos, Mignone, Albéniz, and Oscar Lorenzo Fernández.

Sneak Peek! Video clip

This is an ILAMS event organised in collaboration with Poliphonia and Instituto Cervantes as part of Echoes Festival 2026, with the kind support of St Clement Danes 

MORE INFORMATION 

ilams.org.uk | poliphonia.co.uk | londres.cervantes.es | stclementdanesraf.org