Wonderful premiere for album A Screenshot of Now at Bechstein Hall, London 0n 11/4/26.

A Screenshot of Now premiere recital cast: Hamish McLaren, Manase Latu, Chinwe D. John, Giacomo Susani and Tim Mead.

On Saturday 11/4/26, the elegant and acoustically brilliant Bechstein Hall, proved the perfect venue, to present the world premiere of our song cycle album A Screenshot of Now, which was released the day prior, on Linn Records.

The programme began with an introductory message from the song cycle’s virtuoso composer and guitarist Giacomo Susani, and his collaborator, visionary poet/lyricist Chinwe D. John. The operatic cast consisted of Britain’s most resplendent countertenor Tim Mead, burgundy toned rising star countertenor Hamish McLaren, and dramatic tenor Manase Lasu.

The audience showed their enjoyment by bursting into healthy applause at the end of each song, except when they needed to keep an air of silence between the narrated poem The Immortals, and the requiem All Things beautiful. At the end of the final curtain call, the atmosphere was brimming with excitement and appreciation, for what had been almost two hours of magnificent music and performances.

A meet and greet event was held after the song cycle recital. The event was well attended by the audience, who expressed their positive feedback, and had a chance to enjoy offerings from Bechstein’s impressive bar. Both the recital and the after event, were captured in superb detail by videographer Tim Macklin.

A Screenshot of Now, album art by Dr. Luisa Susani.

Composer/Guitarist Giacomo Susani and Poet/Lyricist Chinwe D. John at their premiere’s meet and greet event.

Chinwe and brother Mr. Eskor John, at the premiere’s meet and greet event, Bechstein Hall, London.

Harpsichordist/Pianist Asako Ogawa Ginova, cellist Nikolay Ginov, poet/lyricist Chinwe D. John, Architetti Signori Susani at our meet and greet event.

Mr. and Mrs. Fawehinmi, Mr. and Mrs. Ledsam with Chinwe D. John at our album’s meet and greet.

A Screenshot of Now, album meet and greet event.

Many thanks to the team at Bechstein Hall, headed by Luka Okros, for providing a worthy venue, for a premiere that will long be remembered by those who came to support it.

Snippet from the introductory note given by Chinwe D. John, during the premiere:

“The title of our song cycle, may on first glance, seem a rather bold choice to make. Quite a bit of time passes from the conception of a musical work, to when it finally reaches its audience. furthermore, we’re in a particularly rapidly evolving time. In spite of this, we feel comfortable with our choice. Our cycle opens up with a familiar modern day dilemma, the commodification of our daily lives. It ends on a hopeful note, celebrating life’s simple pleasures. In between a musical potrait plays out, aat times celebratory, and other times offering catharsis. The wonderful musical score by our maestro and virtuoso Giacomo Susani, connects the Past and Present, in such a way that makes us confident and happy to present to you, A Screenshot of Now.