***Difficult Loves is a new song cycle by acclaimed string duo Balladeste (Preetha Narayanan, Tara Franks) and singer-songwriter Ana Silvera, exploring the many faces of love. Shifting lithely between folk, improvised and neo-classical worlds, their interwoven strings and voices create an evolving, immersive odyssey of the heart – all enhanced by live electronics from Nikò O’Brien.*** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ The song cycle traces the many faces of love: romantic connection, familial devotion, ecstatic encounters with the natural world, and the darker shadows of grief, loss and longing. Balladeste’s lyrical strings intertwine with Ana’s luminous voice, creating a palimpsest of feelings as panoramic as they are tender. Created through a deeply collaborative process, the music emerges from single melodies or lyric lines, improvised exchanges, and string motifs reimagined and unravelled. Loosely inspired by Italo Calvino’s book of the same name, the ‘very beautiful, complex’ song cycle (*Soho Radio*) reflects a spirit of creative exploration and meticulous artistry. For this Kings Place performance, producer and electronic artist **Niko O’Brien** (*Upcycled Sounds*) transforms voices and instruments in real time, creating evolving, emotive soundscapes. Presented in the round with surround sound using the d&b Soundscape 360° system in Hall Two, *Difficult Loves* is a deeply affecting sonic journey. ***This event will last for approximately 110 minutes, including an interval.***