Mezzo-soprano Alice Coote is known equally as an operatic performer and an art song interpreter. She has performed at the English National Opera, the Royal Opera House, and the Metropolitan Opera. Coote has become a specialist in the music of Handel and has frequently sung "breeches" roles, but has also sung contemporary pieces by Dominick Argento and Judith Weir. In recitals, Coote is regularly accompanied by pianist Julius Drake. In 2021, Coote teamed with pianist Christian Blackshaw and actor Ralph Fiennes to present the recital "Tchaikovsky and His Poets," featuring Tchaikovsky's songs with Fiennes reading poetry and the composer's letters. The following year, Coote was joined by Drake for an album of songs by Schubert.