CBSO Performances – a Celebration of Benjamin Britten

This is the performance schedule for the CBSO's celebration of Benjamin Britten's Centenary Year.

This exciting programme of dates and venues offers something for everybody, whether you are new to Britten or a seasoned follower of both the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Choruses, and the musical experience of Britten.

Tuesday 28th May

A BOY WAS BORN: Andris Nelsons (below) conducts Britten’s War Requiem

Symphony Hall, Birmingham.

Nelsons, Opolais,  Müller- Brachmann, CBSO Choruses 

 

 

Friday 31st May

The CBSO in Hanover

Hanover, Congress Centrum (pictured below).

Nelsons, Opolais, Padmore, Brachmann, CBSO Chorus, Madchenchor Children's Choir

Britten’s War Requiem.

Saturday 1st June

The CBSO in Dresden's Frauenkirche (below, right)

Andris Nelsons conductor
Kristine Opolais soprano
Mark Padmore tenor
Hanno Mueller Brachmann bass
CBSO Chorus
Madchenchor Children's Choir

Britten: War Requiem

Dresden’s Frauenkirche is known throughout the world as a monument to world peace. This message will attach itself indelibly to the performance of Britten’s War Requiem, the creation of a glowing pacifist. The solo parts in this work were written, with great symbolism, for an English, a German and a Russian singer.

It was composed on the occasion of the consecration of the new cathedral in Dresden’s twin city of Coventry, and this year – when Britten’s birth has its 100th anniversary – it will be performed by the same orchestra that was also entrusted with its world premiere - The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Saturday 8th June

The CBSO in Paris

Paris, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

(more details to follow)

 

 

www.warrequiem.co.uk

Celebrating the Centenary of Benjamin Britten

As part of the celebration of Benjamin Britten’s centenary year, we will be following the celebratory concerts of the CBSO – City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

Why the CBSO?

Partly because it was they who performed Britten’s premiere of War Requiem as part of the musical events surrounding the Consecration of Coventry Cathedral in May 1962 and because Michael and Cathy Foster are part of the excited touring chorus – energetically vocalising their joyful thanks for the birth of such an important contributor to 20^th Century British music.

  

(Above) CBSO in rehearsals for the premiere performance of War Requiem

in Coventry Cathedral. Benjamin Britten is personally directing the arrangements

...but all is not well and tensions are rising.

Michael Foster is also the author of THE IDEA WAS GOOD – a jointly analytical and entertaining book written for the Golden Jubilee performance of War Requiem at Coventry Cathedral. Simon Rattle referred to THE IDEA WAS GOOD as – “…a wonderful and brilliantly written book…” – praise indeed.

This blog was launched to support the Jubilee concert at Coventry Cathedral and to help promote the book. It continues now to support the Centenary Concerts of Benjamin Britten’s iconic works and to offer a further unique opportunity to own a copy of the Golden Jubilee book.

www.warrequiem.co.uk