Celebrate the life and music of Portsmouth-born composer Freda Swain

The University of Portsmouth is set to kick off Sing 100, a local music festival celebrating the centenary of Portsmouth’s city status, with a public lecture on Portsmouth-born composer Freda Swain. 

The lecture-recital, taking place next Thursday (7 May) at 5.30pm in the University’s Eldon Building lecture theatre, is the first of twelve events in the city and will include a blend of Swain’s piano music, vocal performances and choral extracts from the University of Portsmouth Choir. 

Focusing on the life and music of Portsmouth-born composer Freda Swain, this event highlights her output of almost 600 works, from piano and chamber music to songs, opera, and orchestral pieces to shining a light on how she campaigned for better representation of new British music, in particular women composers and performers. 

The lecture, fronted by Professor George Burrows from the University’s Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries will also feature Swiss pianist Timon Altwegg and researcher Laura Casas Cambra, who will offer insights into Swain’s life, work and influence, accompanied by live performances highlighting her prolific output. 

Professor Burrows, who has also been the University of Portsmouth Choir’s director for over 20 years, said: “Freda Swain is a Portsmouth musician everyone should know about. It is especially fitting to celebrate her life and work in this centenary year of the city. I am incredibly proud and excited to be part of this celebration to mark the start of Sing 100.  

“It is a fantastic moment for Portsmouth to come together and a great opportunity to share with the community our university’s long-standing commitment to musical activity for staff, students and the general public.” 

Freda Swain’s music will also feature in the University of Portsmouth Choir concert on 3pm Sunday 10 May at St Thomas’ Cathedral. Alongside this, she is already commemorated with a room at Portsmouth Guildhall, and she will soon be further celebrated with a new exhibition in the Freda Swain Lounge, opening on Tuesday 5 May. 

Drawing on research by Professor George Burrows, the exhibition will explore the life and work of the Southsea-born composer, helping to establish her as one of Portsmouth’s most significant musical figures. 

For more information and to book a free ticket to the event, visit Event Brite.  

Image credit: Timon Altwegg