Song Duo

“One word to sup up their musical partnership: perfection.”
Westphälische Rundschau 2020

Award-winning song duo, Swiss soprano Franziska Heinzen and British-Polish-German pianist Benjamin Mead, enthral international audiences with their carefully crafted Lieder programmes and discography.

Programming: The programming of the song duo has been a result of their artistic collaboration since their meeting at the University of Music in Düsseldorf. Their repertoire boasts more than 15 distinct recital programs, which have garnered international acclaim. Notably, their performance during the Düsseldorf Festival featured a “Rhineland love spell” on a riverboat. Their debut at the “Schubertiada a Vilabertran” in Barcelona focused on musical interpretations of Goethe and other sensitive poets in songs by Schubert. The song duo was also honoured with an invitation to create a contemporary song evening in the esteemed concert series “Im Zentrum Lied” in Cologne. Moreover, they commemorated Clara Schumann’s 200th birthday by presenting a program of works composed by women at the “Schumannfest Düsseldorf” and the “Rhonefestival”, including a live recording by the Swiss radio station “SRF 2 Kultur”. Their diverse range of programs also includes performances that delve into the works of renowned poets such as Rainer Maria Rilke (live recorded live by Swiss radio station “SRF 2 Kultur”) and Gottfried Keller, as well as ones that blend the music of Claude Debussy and Leonard Bernstein. Additionally, they offer programs that combine music and gastronomy, providing a multisensory feast for audiences. In 2022, the song duo expanded their repertoire to include a staged song evening titled

Programming: The programming of the song duo has been a result of their artistic collaboration since meeting at the Robert Schumann Hochschule in Düsseldorf, Germany. They have designed more than 15 distinct recital programs, which have garnered international acclaim. Notably, their performance during the Düsseldorf Festival featured a “Rhineland love spell” on a riverboat. Their debut at the “Schubertiada a Vilabertran” in Barcelona focused on Schubert settings of poetry by Goethe and other sentimentalist poets. The song duo was also honoured with an invitation to create a contemporary song evening in the esteemed concert series “Im Zentrum Lied” in Cologne. Moreover, they commemorated Clara Schumann’s 200th birthday by presenting a program of works composed by women at the “Schumannfest Düsseldorf” and at the “Rhonefestival”, including a live recording by the Swiss radio station “SRF 2 Kultur”. Their diverse range of programs also includes performances that delve into the works of renowned poets such as Rainer Maria Rilke (recorded live by Swiss radio station “SRF 2 Kultur”) and Gottfried Keller, as well as ones that blend the music of Claude Debussy and Leonard Bernstein. In 2022, the song duo expanded their repertoire to include a scenic song evening titled “Shakespeare’s Tombs – Female Characters Between Love, Power, and Insanity”.

Discography: Through its live performances and albums, the duo has established a reputation for its insightful curation and carefully crafted interpretation: Especially the song duo’s discography showcases their ability to contextualise and revitalise both well-known and lesser-known works. Their 2021 album on the works of “Les Six” was met with high critical acclaim, receiving praise for both its insightful interpretation and innovative concept. Similarly, their trilingual album, featuring compositions by 24 female composers, was nominated for an “Opus Klassik” award in 2022. The song duo’s third album, “Lieder us um Tal – An Homage to Swiss Art Song” (2023), represents a heartfelt tribute to the yet lesser-known tradition of Swiss Art Song. The album features works by 13 composers, including discoveries from Franziska’s native region of Valais, introduces this rich tradition to a wider audience.

Awards: In 2017, they received first prize at the 2nd International Song Competition “Rhein-Ruhr” in Ratingen, along with a second prize at the “Sieghardt-Rometsch” Chamber Music Competition. Their artistic excellence was further acknowledged when they were awarded the Music Endowment Award 2017 by the city of Düsseldorf. Beyond their impressive accomplishments as performers, they have also made significant contributions as cultural entrepreneurs: In 2018, they co-founded the “Rhonefestival“, an innovative and exciting festival held amidst the stunning scenery of the Valais Alps.

Inspiration: The song duo’s impressive achievements in both the artistic and entrepreneurial spheres are a testament to their unwavering dedication and passion for classical music. Embracing and living the tradition of Lieder while staying true to authenticity, the duo has been awarded a scholarship by the Britten Pears Young Artists program and has attended numerous masterclasses taught by Wolfram Rieger, Hartmut Höll, Malcolm Martineau, Graham Johnson, Deen Larsen, Julius Drake, Richard Stokes, Konrad Richter, and Ulrich Eisenlohr.

Franziska Heinzen, a native of Switzerland’s picturesque canton of Valais, has established herself as an accomplished concert, opera, and Lieder singer on the international stage. Having studied in Zürich and Düsseldorf, she constantly reshapes her artistic style. With her exceptional vocal talent, captivating stage presence and nuanced interpretations Franziska brings her distinctive perspective to some of the most known and unknown works.

Benjamin Mead, a triple native of Britain, Germany and Poland, pursued his education in the field of classical music with a focus on song interpretation and chamber music. After studying piano in Düsseldorf, he went on to pursue advanced studies at the prestigious “Royal Academy of Music” in London. With his expressivity and sensitivity, captivating stage presence, and innate musicality, Benjamin has become a highly sought-after collaborator.