ARTS: In Voice and Verse at Norden Farm

'If music be the food of love, play on’, wrote the famous bard.

And so, to celebrate 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare, Maidenhead Music Society will be hosting a special evening of song and dramatic readings to celebrate the life of one of England’s most celebrated writers.

For In Voice and Verse, soprano Belinda Yates and pianist Heather Chamberlain will be joined by thespian Lance Pierson for a journey through the playwright’s work. This will be interspersed with musical interludes from composers the 17th and 18th century masters Pelham Humfrey and Thomas Arne, well as Arthur Sullivan, Rossini and Ivor Gurne and the more modernist Madeleine Dring and Richard Stoker.

Actor and professional poetry performer Pierson has taken part in recitals in a range of venues and events, including London's Victoria and Albert Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Ledbury Poetry Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Regular performing partners Yates and Chamberlain have collaborated on previous 400th anniversary events and have previously taken part in celebrations of the poets Edmund Waller and John Milton.

In Voice and Verse — Maidenhead Music Society is at Norden Farm on Thursday, April 14.