John Mark Ainsley's clever program highlights the connections of four of the best songwriters of modern day: Britten, Poulenc, Heggie, and Berkeley. This variety in repertoire showcases the range, expression, vocal color, and understanding of text of this talented artist. Malcolm Martineau accompanies Ainsley, and is the dedicatee of Heggie's Friendly Persuasions. Ainsley and Martineau premiered the work in 2008 at Wigmore Hall, London. John Mark Ainsley has appeared alongside the world's greatest orchestras, and is a visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Music.