Patron of The Rudolf Kempe Society

I am very flattered and delighted to be Patron of the Rudolf Kempe Society as successor to the late Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. I admire Cordula Kempe so much and think the work that she does is tremendous.

Do come to her wonderful programmes of word and music, Songs of Apollo - in which I have taken part myself and thoroughly enjoyed! And don’t miss the concerts given by the extremely talented musicians of the Rudolf Kempe International Young Artists Platform!

Also given at the uniquely congenial atmosphere of the KEMPE STUDIO at THE MUSES in Stratford, the Society's new series of creative and inspiring Public Master Classes awaits you, with an international line-up of great artists of today teaching the great artists of tomorrow!

Dame Judi Dench, Patron of The Rudolf Kempe Society
Dame Judy Dench

Songs of Apollo - Word and Music Events performed by the Rudolf Kempe Society

A unique contribution of the Society’s activities, for the development and enjoyment of artists and audiences alike, are the programmes SONGS OF APOLLO, in which educational aspects are combined with those of entertainment.

Many of the country’s greatest actors, sharing the stage with distinguished musicians, are enthusiastic about performing these programmes wherever and whenever they can, and excited about the way in which both word and music enhance each other.

Devised by the Society’s Artistic Director, Cordula Kempe, SONGS OF APOLLO feature chamber music of all periods - instrumental and vocal, in virtually all formations - juxtaposed with literary texts of drama, poetry and prose.

A Shakespearean quotation about the ancient God Apollo – pictured here, not without reason, with his little side-kick Amor in tow – inspired both name and contents of these word and music programmes. Reflecting four millennia of cultural heritage, they look into subjects that concern us all, from the mundane to the philosophical. Whilst being informative and educational in an unobtrusive way, they aim, above all, to be entertaining in the best sense of the word.

To blend the two kindred fields of music and literature not only breaks down fences between disciplines, but also other human divisions – social, national, racial. On these grounds, our offers have been recognized as opening up new dimensions of understanding for everyone who cares to listen.

SONGS OF APOLLO are known to have converted ‘unmusical’ people to music, and drawn ‘philistines’ to the theatre who would never have dreamed of setting foot in one. We are very keen to break new ground to reach wider audiences, especially young people, and those who are underprivileged or feel too shy to take the initiative of venturing into the arts.

You are cordially invited to come and experience our performances, as well as our greatly stimulating workshops which follow them, and in which you can discuss all aspects of the programmes as well as your own reactions to them with the performers.

Given regularly at the Society’s base in Stratford-upon-Avon – in the heart of Shakespeare Country and, as it were, under the auspices of the great poet and playwright himself - SONGS OF APOLLO have been performed frequently at all three theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as in London, elsewhere in the UK and on the continent. They have for many years enjoyed the highest critical acclaim as well as standing ovations from audiences.

You are cordially invited to join us and our fellow artists in our appreciation, enjoyment and gratitude for the riches – sensual, mental and spiritual – that are entrusted to us as artists, and to share our awareness that they belong to everyone, irrespective of cultural or social background - personified as they are by Apollo, God of Art, of Light and of Healing.

The Performers - BERGONZI QUARTET AND FRIENDS

CORDULA KEMPE violin
BARBARA O'REILLY violin
ROBIN DEL MAR viola
PETER WILSON cello

Named after the leader’s violin - made by Michelangelo Bergonzi of Cremona in 1755 - this highly acclaimed string quartet covers a wide repertoire from the late 17th century to the present and specializes in the exploration of new interpretative approaches through juxtaposition of musical and literary texts.

As members of distinguished UK and continental orchestras, the musicians are also experienced teachers with leading academies; they aim to impart their professional insight to ever growing audiences who are new to the classics.

The Bergonzis are regularly joined by distinguished musicians from all over Europe, as well as gifted young instrumentalists and singers of the Rudolf Kempe Society’s International Young Artists Platform, to perform in virtually all combinations of chamber music.

Their virtuoso instrumental playing, musical sensitivity and spirit of ensemble have been praised by critics and audiences alike.

“World class on our doorstep!”
Birmingham Post

“Spellbinding – revelatory – sheer beauty from beginning to end!”
Stratford Herald

List of programmes

Songs of Apollo

Programmes devised
by Cordula Kempe

PERCHANCE TO DREAM
Bach’s Goldberg Variations with Poetry on Sleep and Dream

FOOD OF LOVE
Dvorák’s ‘Cypresses’ with Love Poetry of Four Millennia

ENTIRELY MOZART
His Life – His Love – His Music and a Surprise Shakespearean Connection

VIENNESE DELIGHTS
A Celebration of Schubert’s Life

BIRDS, FLOWERS, GOD AND MYSELF
The Life and Music of Antonín Dvorák

LOVE LETTERS FROM BOHEMIA
A great people’s passion for Music, Poetry, Life and Freedom,

DIVERTIMENTO
A light-hearted Summer Garden Entertainment

IL DIVERTIMENTO DEFINITIVO
The Joys and Tribulations of Wolfgang and Konstanze Mozart

STRINGS IN THE AIR
Re-Joyce in the Poet’s own chamber music

MORE STRINGS IN THE AIR
The Final Debate on the Question of Priority between Word and Music

THE FAERIE QUEEN
A Midsummer Night’s Musical Magic

THE QUALITY OF MERCY
Jewish Poetry and Music from Biblical Times to the Present

THE CEREMONY OF INNOCENCE
Christmas afterthoughts for today by Yeats, Auden and others

THE SEVEN LAST WORDS
Haydn’s String Quartets opus 51 with Reflections on the Biblical texts of Four Millennia

A MUSICAL OFFERING
Music and Poetry in Praise of Kingship - Spirit - Love - Music

All programmes, and their titles, are the copyright© of Cordula Kempe

Booking of Programmes

You can get actively involved with our work in many ways. You can actually book our programmes for your own functions, public or private, in venues of your choice. Not only is the repertoire of great variety, it is expansive in presentation and can range from three musicians to chamber orchestra, and from two to four or five actors. Most programmes are adaptable to be given in venues ranging from salons to concert halls and from factories to churches.

You can even commission an individually tailored programme.

Performance fees depend on the size of cast, and are negotiable for charitable institutions.

For more detailed information please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We would be delighted to welcome you as Friends of the Society, especially at our own unique venue, the new KEMPE STUDIO AT THE MUSES at our UK base in Stratford-upon-Avon. It is situated between the RSC theatres, overlooking the park and the river, and has a very private, beautiful terraced garden.

Our series of intimate recitals, poetry readings and workshops as well as - British summers permitting – delightful garden concerts await you!