Episode 3: Soprano singer

In episode 3, Maia Béar, a classically trained soprano from London, delights us with four pieces sung in the chapel.

Hackney Council has received funding as part of the NHLF grant to restore the chapel over the next couple of years. Abney Park Trust wanted to capture this amazing ruined landmark before it changes forever. Please enjoy this performance whilst having an explore.

If you enjoy the performance, please consider making a donation to Abney Park Trust, the programmers of this series, so that they can continue in their role as curators of this beautiful space.

Watch the performance

 

Set list

  • Flow My Tears, John Downland;

  • The trees they grow so high arr. Britten;

  • Dido's Lament, Henry Purcell;

  • The Parting Glass

Biography

Maia Béar (Soprano)

Maia Béar is a classically trained soprano from London. She began her studies with Phillidia Bannister before reading English at Trinity College, Cambridge, where she graduated as the recipient of the Mathison and Gould Prizes for academic achievement. She was also a choral exhibitioner in the chapel choir of Selwyn College, Cambridge, where she studied with Anita Morrison and Stuart MacIntyre.

Maia took the lead role in Dido and Aeneas by Purcell and has also sing the roles of Polissena in Handel’s Radamisto and Nora in Vaughan Williams’ opera Riders to the sea. In 2018, she performed in UBU, an adaptation of the play of the same name by Alfred Jarry staged at the Victoria Albert Museum.

She is currently a PHD candidate in the department of Medieval Studiers at Yale University

We need your continued support

As we are not yet permitted to run our events and usual fundraising opportunities at Abney Park, we need to ask for your continued support. We’re seeking donations to help Abney Park Trust curate a series of events, audio tours and publications on Abney as part of our mission to promote Abney’s history, wildlife and role in the community. We’re also looking to raise funds for our monument restoration programme. Please support us so we can continue in the care and promotion of this beautiful space.

Chapel RecordingHolly Spicesoprano singer, opera