Unveiling the Secret Loves: A Performance Celebrates Queer Composers' Untold Stories
The upcoming show 'Hidden Voices' is set to revolutionize how we perceive celebrated composers, revealing their often-suppressed queer identities. It's a bold move to bring to light the hidden narratives of iconic figures, including Franz Schubert, Frédéric Chopin, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Ethel Smyth, Francis Poulenc, and Benjamin Britten.
But here's the twist: their queer identities and relationships have been historically swept under the rug, either by societal norms or the classical music industry itself. The creative minds behind the show emphasize, "These musical legends' personal lives and loves have been hidden in plain sight." And this production aims to change that, offering a unique experience through music and literature.
The performance artfully combines the composers' songs, performed by Neelam Brader and Judith Valerie Engel, with readings from their personal letters and writings. Actor Simon Christian brings these words to life, painting a vivid picture of their emotional journeys and struggles within the confines of their era.
And this is where it gets intriguing: the show promises to reveal long-hidden secrets. Who were the mysterious figures in these composers' lives? Did Chopin's waltz have a secret dedication? Was Tchaikovsky's love for his nephew more than familial? What challenges did Ethel Smyth face as a lesbian in a male-dominated era? These questions and more will be answered, offering a rare glimpse into the personal lives of these geniuses.
After successful shows in Vienna, Austria, 'Hidden Voices' is set to captivate London audiences on November 13 and 14 at the Space Theatre. Created by the talented Austrian trio, Brader, Christian, and Engel, the performance promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of identity and love.
Are you ready to uncover these hidden chapters of musical history? Do you think society should embrace and celebrate these composers' queer identities? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation!
