We agree with conductor and pianist Richard Bonynge that the songs written by the Irish composer William Vincent Wallace have remained unknown far too long.

The conductor writes as follows:- “My love affair with Wallace began when I recorded his beautiful opera Lurline and that led me to investigate the songs. Wallace was a superb melodist and wrote for some of the great singers of his day (1830s) Jenny Lind and Catherine Hayes among others. I find it a shame that so much of this music is now forgotten. Many of these songs can well form part of the 21st century recital repertoire."

Sally Silver’s collaboration with Bonynge began when she recorded the title role in Wallace’s opera Lurline. She has triumphed in several roles both with Scottish Opera and with ENO, including Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Greek at the Buxton, Cheltenham and Edinburgh Festivals and Thomas Adès’ Powder Her Face.