Elizabeth Maconchy and Grace Williams became firm friends when they met at music college, and wrote regular letters to one another from 1927 until Grace’s death in 1977. They shared thoughts and feelings about their personal lives, their careers, and their musical output. 50 years of friendship and musical landscape are documented within their correspondence, which in 2019 was published thanks to the stellar scholarship of Sophie Fuller and Jenny Doctor. This concert showcases chamber music by Maconchy and Williams, presented alongside readings from their letters. With St Hilda’s housing the Maconchy Archives, programming this music and performing it here feels personal and pertinent. We hope ‘A lovely day-dream’ will introduce Betty and Grace to new ears: as composers, as women, and as friends.
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