Joan Rodgers, Julia Cobby

Join celebrated soprano Joan Rodgers and pianist Julia Cobby for an afternoon of French songs and a two-course themed lunch on the Rosehill stage.

The programme will include Tchaikovsky (from his set of French songs), Gounod, Poulenc, Fauré, Britten (French folk songs), Manuel Rosenthal and more.

Joan, from Cleator Moor, obtained a degree in Russian from Liverpool University and then studied at the RNCM, winning the Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Scholarship in 1981. She made her professional début in 1982 as Pamina (Die Zauberflöte) at Aix-en-Provence Festival, which quickly led to roles at ENO and Covent Garden and in opera houses throughout Europe.

She has had many notable performances, not least Last Night of the Proms in 1988, and in 2005 she sang in Handel’s Ariodante with the Bavarian State Opera in Tokyo. She has also performed at Rosehill on numerous occasions and it's wonderful that she's able to make a welcome return in the theatre's 60th birthday year.

Joan is among the leading English sopranos of her generation, equally established in opera, concert and as a recitalist. In 2010 she was appointed to the International Chair of Singing at the RNCM, and for her services to music she was awarded the CBE in 2001.

Carlisle-based Julia Cobby studied English Literature at Oxford while continuing her musical studies in London with Paul Hamburger. She has worked exclusively with singers, being in high demand as a vocal coach and répétiteur, as well as playing for masterclasses and performing in recitals throughout the country.

She has performed for many Rosehill events, both in the theatre and through Rosehill on the Road, and it is a delight to welcome her back.