Composer

Orchestra Miami proudly presents the Downtowner Chamber Music Series, a captivating new concert series in collaboration with the First United Methodist Church of Miami. This series is set to take place in the church's brand-new concert hall located in the heart of Downtown Miami, offering a unique musical experience that combines the talents of Orchestra Miami's soloists with some of the finest singers from South Florida.

The series kicks off with two exceptional concerts:

1. **A Britten Celebration** - Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 2 PM
   Celebrate the 110th birthday of the renowned British composer Benjamin Britten with an afternoon of his mesmerizing music. The program features the Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings with tenor Gerardo José Ortega and hornist Stanley Spinola, the Fanfare for St. Edmundsbury for three trumpets, Canticle N. 2: Abraham & Isaac with David Margulis (tenor) & Victor Bento (counter tenor), and the Simple Symphony, Op. 4.

2. **Cabaret** - Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 2 PM
   Dive into the world of Cabaret with a diverse selection of music by famous classical composers including Kurt Weill, William Bolcom, Benjamin Britten, and a performance of Paul Schoenfield's virtuosic Piano Trio "Cafe Music."

These concerts are free to attend with a suggested donation of $10 per person. For those who wish to reserve their seats in advance, a $25 donation is suggested. The events are presented with the generous support of the First Church Miami, located at 398 NE 5th Street, Suite 1, Miami, 33132. Valet parking is available for $25 per vehicle, and street parking is limited. Attendees are encouraged to take the Metro Mover to College/BaySide Station for convenience.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of chamber music in the heart of Miami. Reserve your tickets now and be part of these unforgettable musical celebrations.

EPSG:4326

Downtown Chamber Music Series

First United Methodist Church of Miami

A testament to Beethoven’s sly wit, the Eighth Symphony finds the revolutionary composer transforming beloved 18th-century dance forms with new dramatic possibilities. And violinist Baiba Skride displays a “soaring, incisive tone” (Strad) in Britten’s Violin Concerto, an emotionally charged work composed as Europe descended into World War II.

Beethoven's Eighth Symphony

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

This concert will feature the IC Chamber Orchestra and IC Sinfonietta. The program features, among other compositions, Benjamin Britten's virtuosic Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, as well as a new composition, "Swept Away," a violin concerto performed by the composer, Alyssa Wang.

IC Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonietta

Ithaca College

Young conducting sensation Dmitry Matvienko, winner of the prestigious Malko Competition for Young Conductors, leads the ASO in a tasty rarity, the sassy Piano Concerto written by the 25-year-old Benjamin Britten. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra welcomes Korean virtuoso Yeol Eum Son, a pianist with "power and passion, fireworks and drama aplenty" (Limelight), in her first Atlanta performances. On the second half of the program, Matvienko leads the ASO in the fragrant Symphony No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Portland State University's Rose and Thorn Choirs present "Rising," their final concert of the year. This captivating performance, under the skilled direction of Kimi Gubler Davis and Molly Kerns-Clapp, will take place on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, located at 2408 SE 16th Ave., Portland, OR 97214.

"Rising" promises to be a diverse and powerful concert, featuring a variety of musical genres that explore themes of identity. Highlights include samples from Benjamin Britten's "Ceremony of Carols" and a selection of folk song arrangements, all designed to showcase the exceptional talents of the choirs. The exquisite acoustics of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church will further elevate the performance, ensuring an immersive and resonant experience for all in attendance.

Tickets are available for $15 general admission and $7 for students and seniors. Don't miss this opportunity to support Portland State's choirs and experience the culmination of their year's work in an event that celebrates music, culture, and the arts. For tickets and more information, contact Ethan Sperry at esperrypdx.edu.

Rising: Rose & Thorn Choirs Concert

St. Philip Neri Catholic Church

Join us for an exquisite afternoon of vocal performance as Abigail Arnold, a talented soprano from the Northwestern Bienen School of Music, presents her student recital. This event is scheduled for Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 2:30pm CDT, in the intimate setting of the McClintock Choral and Recital Room. Abigail, a Bachelor of Music student under the guidance of Pamela Hinchman, will be accompanied by Timothy Zhang on the English horn and Jason Carlson on the piano.

The recital will feature a carefully selected repertoire that showcases Abigail's versatile vocal range and expressive capabilities. The program includes:

- Richard Strauss's "Ständchen" from Sechs Lieder, Op. 17, "Breit’ über mein Haupt" from Sechs Lieder aus Lotosblätter, Op. 19, and "Amor" from Sechs Lieder, Op. 68.
- Francis Poulenc's "Airs chantés," FP 46.
- Gioacchino Rossini's "Ah donate il caro sposo" from Il signor Bruschino.
- Traditional and contemporary Chinese songs by 尚德義 and 赵季平.
- Benjamin Britten's selections from "On this island," Op. 11.

This event is free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the next generation of classical music talent. No tickets are required, and the performance will also be available via live stream for those who cannot attend in person.

Location: David and Carol McClintock Choral and Recital Room, 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, United States.

Don't miss this captivating performance by Abigail Arnold, as she brings to life a diverse and challenging program.

Abigail Arnold, soprano

Ryan Center for the Musical Arts

Join the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra as they present their Finale Concert, marking the culmination of their 50th season. This momentous event will be led by the talented Associate Conductor William R. Langley, showcasing the exceptional skills and dedication of the young musicians. The concert is set to take place on May 12, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the prestigious Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Tickets for this special performance are complimentary but must be reserved in advance to ensure your seat. This is a unique opportunity to witness the future of classical music as these young talents take the stage under the guidance of William R. Langley, the Associate Conductor and ASYO Music Director.

Don't miss out on this celebration of music, youth, and the enduring legacy of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. Reserve your tickets now and be part of a memorable afternoon filled with inspiring performances.

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra 50th Anniversary Celebration

Featuring the 2024 Concerto Competition Winners, and Benjamin Britten’s delightful Soirées Musicales based on themes by Gioachino Rossini.

Soiree Musicale - Youth Orchestras Finale Concert

Purdue University Fort Wayne

In-Person Masterworks Concert #6

Williamsburg Community Chapel

Join us for an enchanting evening of vocal music as Alexi Ortega Chavez, a talented tenor from the Northwestern Bienen School of Music, presents his Bachelor of Music recital. This special performance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 8:30pm CDT, in the intimate setting of the McClintock Choral and Recital Room. 

Alexi, a dedicated student of Theresa Brancaccio, will be joined by Skye Tarshis, a mezzo-soprano, and Karina Kontorovitch on piano. Together, they will bring to life a captivating program featuring Benjamin Britten's "Canticle I: My Beloved Is Mine," Op. 40, and "Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac," Op. 51d, alongside Edward Elgar's "Sea Pictures," Op. 37.

This event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available, ensuring that no one misses out on this showcase of emerging musical talent. 

The recital will take place in the David and Carol McClintock Choral and Recital Room, located within the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts at 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208. 

Don't miss this opportunity to support and enjoy the performances of these promising musicians as they share their passion and artistry.

Alexi Ortega Chavez, tenor

Hailed by the New Yorker “not simply for the quality of their music making, exalted as it is, but for the joy they take in the act of connection,” the acclaimed St. Lawrence continues its fabled partnership with Stanford, remaining a cultural cornerstone of the University, directing the music department’s Chamber Music Program, concertizing at Stanford Live, hosting a popular summer seminar, and running the Emerging String Quartet Program

An Evening with the St. Lawrence

Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

Experience the grandeur of classical music under the stars at the Grant Park Music Festival's season opener, featuring the world-renowned cellist Alban Gerhardt. This unforgettable evening is set to take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion. 

The program promises an emotional journey through the strings of Antonín Dvořák's deeply moving Cello Concerto, with Alban Gerhardt's virtuoso performance bringing this masterpiece to life. The evening will also showcase the talents of conductor Carlos Kalmar as he leads the Grant Park Orchestra through Benjamin Britten's enchanting concert suite, The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, and Anna Clyne's vibrant Masquerade.

In this season opener, cello virtuoso Alban Gerhardt returns to the Grant Park Music Festival to play Antonín Dvořák's deeply moving Cello Concerto. Also, Carlos Kalmar conducts Benjamin Britten's irresistible concert suite The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.

Dvořák Cello Concerto

Millennium Park

We bring Britten’s musical retelling of Shakespeare’s beloved A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the Garsington Opera stage.

In a mystical world, humans are muddled and misled by the inhabitants of a fairy world. Becoming the playthings of the quarrelling King Oberon and Queen Tytania. This tale of enchantment, madness and love is brought to life through Britten’s extraordinary orchestration, creating a sound-world of unearthly beauty.

Garsington Opera: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Wormsley

As the 2023–24 season comes to a close, we’ll have plenty of reasons to celebrate: an extraordinary first season with Thomas Søndergård as our music director and the month-long Pride festivities here in Minneapolis and around the country. In a program close to Thomas’ heart, we invite you to join us for music by composers from the LGBTQ+ community featuring the Minnesota Orchestra return of soloist Francesco Piemontesi and culminating with the fireworks of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony.

Celebrating Pride with Thomas Søndergård

Minnesota Orchestra

Tchaikovsky's Serenade

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

Join us for an enchanting evening at the Garsington Opera: Gala Concert, a highlight of the cultural calendar, set to take place on Sunday, 7th July 2024, at 6.20pm. This prestigious event promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing a selection of the most beloved opera arias performed by a stellar cast of artists under the baton of esteemed conductors Douglas Boyd, Jonathon Cole-Swinard, Chloe Rooke, and Tess Jackson.

The Gala Concert will feature performances by a remarkable lineup of vocal talents, including sopranos Natalya Romaniw, Madison Leonard, and Isabelle Peters; mezzo-soprano Christine Rice; tenor Olive Sewell; baritones Roderick Williams and Joshua Hopkins; and bass-baritone Henry Waddington. Accompanied by the Garsington Opera Chorus and the Garsington Opera Youth Company, the evening promises an array of highlights from operatic masterpieces by Beethoven, Britten, Dvořák, Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Smetana, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, and Verdi.

The program includes excerpts from iconic works such as Beethoven's "Fidelio," Britten's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Dvořák's "Rusalka," Handel's "Semele," Mozart's "Così fan tutte," "Idomeneo," and "The Magic Flute," Rossini's "The Barber of Seville," Smetana's "The Bartered Bride," Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier," Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin," and Verdi's "La traviata."

This special event also celebrates the opening of Garsington Studios. Attendees are invited to enjoy an afternoon at Wormsley, including a visit to the Studios, tea during a cricket match, a Young Artists’ recital, and a chance to meet the gardeners in the Walled Garden. The Gala Concert itself will be a showcase of our favourite opera arias, providing an immersive experience into the world of opera.

Tickets are priced between £190 and £280, offering various seating options to accommodate your preferences. For bookings and further information, please contact the Garsington Opera box office at 01494 37603.

Don't miss this extraordinary musical feast set against the backdrop of the picturesque Wormsley Estate. Book your tickets now for an evening of exquisite music, breathtaking performances, and the unique charm that only Garsington Opera can offer.

Garsington Opera: Gala Concert

Caroline Shaw’s work takes us “to the other side of Alice’s looking glass.” Soprano Erika Baikoff, a recent graduate of the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, joins the DSO to “stretch gold from star to star” in Britten’s brilliant setting of French poetry. Mendelssohn’s First Symphony, written when we he was just 15, dazzles with the fire of youth.

Britten & Mendelssohn

Kirk in the Hills

Our Lady Star of the Sea

First United Methodist Church

The Berman Center for the Performing Arts

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Three Choirs Festival featuring the remarkable talents of Anna Lapwood and the BBC Singers, accompanied by the Philharmonia. This special concert will take place in the majestic setting of Worcester Cathedral on Tuesday, 30th July 2024, at 7pm.

The evening promises to be a profound musical journey, showcasing a diverse program that includes Arakelyan's "Seascapes," Britten's "Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes" transcribed for organ by Anna Lapwood, Poulenc's "Figure Humaine," and Weir's "In the Land of Uz." These pieces together explore themes of freedom, suffering, and the human spirit's resilience, making for a deeply moving experience.

Under the baton of conductor Sofi Jeannin, with performances by tenor Mark Padmore, narrator Charles Gibbs, and organists Anna Lapwood and Nicholas Freestone, the concert will bring to life the emotional depth and complexity of these works. The BBC Singers' collaboration with Anna Lapwood is particularly noteworthy, blending choral and organ music to create an evocative soundscape.

Tickets are priced between £15 and £58, offering a range of options for attendees. The concert will run for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an interval, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the music and the cathedral's atmospheric setting.

For more information or to purchase tickets once they go on sale, please contact the Three Choirs Festival Box Office at 01452 768928 or email info3choirs.org. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a night of exquisite music and powerful storytelling at one of the UK's most historic cathedrals.

Three Choirs Festival: Anna Lapwood and BBC Singers

Worcester Cathedral

The Verona Quartet—called a “powerhouse” ensemble by Classical Voice America—makes their Festival debut with a rich and wide-ranging recital program that includes the last of Mozart’s charming Milanese quartets, Britten’s delicate and ethereal Third Quartet, and Verdi’s only string quartet, which transports listeners into the world of Italian opera on a small yet potent scale. 

Verona Quartet

New Mexico Museum of Art

Immerse yourself in the chilling and captivating world of Benjamin Britten's operatic masterpiece, "The Turn of the Screw," presented at the Waterperry Opera Festival. This haunting tale of supernatural mystery and psychological drama unfolds on the intimate and unique stage of the Waterperry Amphitheatre, offering audiences an unforgettable experience.

Set against the eerie backdrop of Bly House, the opera tells the story of a young governess sent to care for two orphaned children, Flora and Miles. What begins as an innocent assignment soon spirals into a nightmarish ordeal as the governess encounters strange apparitions and seeks to protect her charges from sinister forces lurking within the estate.

This gripping production, performed in English, features a talented cast including Charlotte Bowden as the Governess, Robin Bailey as Prologue/Quint, Sian Dicker as Miss Jessel, and Georgia Mae Ellis as Mrs. Grose. Under the direction of Rebecca Meltzer and with Bertie Baigent conducting, the creative team brings to life the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of Britten's work, complemented by the stunning set and costume designs of April Dalton.

Performances are scheduled for the 9th, 13th, and 16th of August 2024, starting at 7:30pm and concluding at 9:45pm, with a short 30-minute interval. The event is suitable for audiences aged 10 and above, offering a spellbinding experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

General booking opens on April 11, with priority booking available for festival supporters. Don't miss your chance to witness this operatic treasure at the Waterperry Opera Festival, a production supported by Gini & Richard Gabbertas, Kaye & David Lillycrop, and Malcolm Herring. Join us for an evening of thrilling music and storytelling at the Waterperry Amphitheatre.

The Turn of the Screw

Waterperry House

In one of the strongest and most evocative post-war operas, Benjamin Britten paints the moving picture of an individual who succumbs to the hypocrisy of a small community.

Peter Grimes

National Opera & Ballet

Opera North presents a captivating production of Benjamin Britten's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," set to enchant audiences from 12 October to 20 November 2024. This joyously theatrical adaptation of Shakespeare's beloved comedy unfolds in a world where the powerful Fairy King Oberon and Queen Tytania are embroiled in a fierce dispute, causing a climate catastrophe. Meanwhile, in Athens, the lives of two young women and their suitors take a tumultuous turn upon escaping to the woods, where love and chaos ensue, especially when the amateur actor Bottom finds himself in an unexpected transformation.

Directed by Martin Duncan and featuring a cast including James Laing as Oberon, Daisy Brown as Tytania, and Henry Waddington as Bottom, this production promises an intoxicating atmosphere where love is the ultimate drug. The opera, sung in English with English subtitles, is celebrated for Britten's tuneful, witty, and beguiling music that captures the essence of night, dreams, and the supernatural.

Performances are scheduled at various prestigious venues, including Leeds Grand Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal, The Lowry in Salford Quays, and Theatre Royal in Nottingham. The running time is approximately 3 hours, including one interval, ensuring an immersive experience. Ticket prices start from £16, with digital and printed programs available for purchase in advance.

Opera North offers a range of ticket packages and discounts, including season ticket packages, under 30s memberships, and new to opera discounts. Additionally, becoming a Friend of Opera North for just £5 per month grants early access to favorite seats, dress rehearsals, and exclusive events.

Booking dates vary by venue, with priority booking available for patrons and friends of Opera North. General ticket sales open shortly after, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to witness this spellbinding production.

Don't miss the chance to experience "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Opera North, a production full of wit, wonder, and laughter, hailed by critics as "wonderfully funny" and "about as good as it gets."

A Midsummer Night's Dream Opera North

Leeds Grand Theatre

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall

The Quays

Join the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable musical journey with "Sea Scenes: Sibelius & Britten," featuring the exceptional talents of Tabita Berglund and Pekka Kuusisto. This captivating concert series will take place from Friday, October 18, to Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the iconic Orchestra Hall.

Under the baton of newly appointed DSO Principal Guest Conductor Tabita Berglund, hailed as one of Europe's most promising talents, the orchestra will explore sea-inspired scenes by Benjamin Britten and Jean Sibelius's interpretation of a Finnish epic. The performances promise to be a high-risk, high-reward musical adventure, showcasing the exceptional artistry of violinist Pekka Kuusisto. Kuusisto, known for his uniquely personal sound, will perform a new concerto by Grammy Award-nominated composer Anna Clyne, making this event a must-see for classical music enthusiasts.

The program includes Britten's "Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes," the US premiere of Anna Clyne's "Time and Tides," and Sibelius's "Lemminkäinen Suite." These pieces promise to transport audiences with their evocative portrayal of the sea's power and beauty.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, led by two of the most exciting figures in classical music today. Tickets start at a special price, offering everyone the chance to be part of this extraordinary musical experience. Join us at Orchestra Hall for a performance that promises to inspire and captivate.

Sea Scenes: Sibelius & Britten

Orchestra Hall

In 2022, pianist Angela Hewitt was the only live performer for BBC Radio’s broadcasts after the funeral and committal of Queen Elizabeth II. An artist of rare sensitivity lands in Fort Worth to perform Mozart’s jubilant Piano Concerto No. 25, with all its fanfares and filigree, before conductor Jane Glover leads the orchestra in Mozart’s 31st symphony (“Paris”). Filling out the program are Benjamin Britten’s Suite on English Folk Tunes and Ravel’s Tombeau de Couperin (Grave of Couperin), written in memory of a French composer.

Jane Glover Conducts Mozart

Sundance Square

Join us for an evening of profound musical reflection with "The Bach Choir: Britten’s War Requiem" at Westminster Cathedral on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, at 7:30 pm. This concert promises to be a moving tribute to peace and reconciliation, featuring Benjamin Britten's powerful War Requiem, a piece composed in memory of the new Coventry Cathedral and in honor of all those affected by the atrocities of war.

Under the baton of conductor David Hill, the performance will showcase the exceptional talents of soprano Elizabeth Watts, tenor Andrew Staples, and baritone Mark Stone. They will be joined by the London Youth Choirs LYC Junior Boys & LYC Junior Girls, and the illustrious Bach Choir, bringing to life Britten's haunting score and the poignant poetry of Wilfred Owen, a soldier and poet who documented the harrowing realities of war and was tragically killed in action in 1918.

Britten's War Requiem, with its interweaving of the traditional Latin Requiem Mass and Owen's evocative war poetry, creates a stark contrast that underscores the futility and devastation of war. The piece is renowned for its challenging compositions, including the use of the tritone interval, known as "The Devil’s Interval," to evoke a sense of unresolved conflict and longing for peace.

Tickets are priced between £10 and £74, with group booking discounts available. The performance will run for approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes without an interval and is recommended for audiences aged 7 and above.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience a landmark work of 20th-century music that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, reminding us of the enduring impact of war and the universal yearning for peace. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable evening with The Bach Choir and Philharmonia at Westminster Cathedral.

The Bach Choir: Britten’s War Requiem

Westminster Cathedral

Severance Music Center is Cleveland’s home for symphonic music and other presentations, including Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Concert Hall and Reinberger Chamber Hall. We are strongly committed to making everyone feel welcome. The doors to Severance open three hours prior to most performances.

Tan Dun Conducts Tan Dun

Severance Music Center

Embark on a seafaring journey as Tchaikovsky summons Shakespeare’s magical island and storm-tossed seas in The Tempest. Korngold evokes the swashbuckling sailors of the 1940 Hollywood epic The Sea Hawk, and Britten portrays the coastal village of his opera Peter Grimes. The voyage concludes as Konstantin Krimmel presents Mahler’s song cycle about a traveling journeyman.

The Tempest & The Sea Hawk

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Mixing ceremonial pomp with pastoral splendor, this survey of British classics features Haydn’s last and grandest symphonic statement, the London Symphony; exquisite gems by Elgar and Britten, and the soaring beauty of Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending with soloist CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen. Marking the 150th anniversary of Ravel’s birth, the program crosses the English Channel for the composer’s beguiling Tzigane.

Benjamin Britten

Composer

Events

Apr 14 - May 19, 2024

Downtown Chamber Music Series · Orchestra Miami

27 - 29 Apr, 2024

Beethoven's Eighth Symphony · Oregon Symphony

May 1, 2024

IC Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonietta · Ithaca College

2 - 4 May, 2024

Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony · Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

May 3, 2024

Rising: Rose & Thorn Choirs Concert · Portland State University School of Music & Theater

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