Nocturne: The Romantic Life of Frédéric Chopin

Known internationally for her ‘Composer Portraits’, pianist Lucy Parham is joined by actors Patricia Hodge and Alex Jennings for Nocturne: The Romantic Life of Frédéric Chopin at The Apex on 5 February.

Narrated by Patricia Hodge and Alex Jennings, Nocturne tells the story of the tender, but volatile relationship between Frédéric Chopin and the novelist George Sand, using extracts from their letters and diaries. Lucy peppers their story with some of the composer's best-loved solo piano works.

“These wonderful concerts are so cleverly organic because the composers become alive again. This happens before your eyes, and it transforms the musical experience for the audience.” Henry Goodman.

Patricia Hodge is a familiar face on TV from ‘All Creatures Great and Small’, ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘Miranda’ and many more shows; Alex Jennings is known for his roles in ‘The Lady in the Van’, ‘Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light’ and ‘The Crown’.

The concert programme includes many of Chopin’s best-loved works for solo piano, including ‘Nocturne’, ‘Polonaise’, a selection of Preludes, Waltzes and Ballades.

“Lucy Parham's trailblazing concerts in which she fuses music and words with the help of some of our most distinguished thespians, have become one of the must-see events on the musical calendar.” BBC Music Magazine