London's iconic venues, including Wigmore Hall, Barbican Centre, and Southbank Centre, are set to host a series of enthralling performances that celebrate the timeless works of Henry Purcell. From the dramatic opera 'King Arthur' by Vox Luminis to the innovative fusion of The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble, these events promise a vibrant musical journey. Highlights include Jordi Savall's exploration of Early Music, Vilde Frang's Baroque program, and festive performances by The English Concert.

Celebrate Henry Purcell: A Journey Through London's Rich Musical Landscape

This autumn, London is set to become the epicenter of classical and contemporary music, with a series of remarkable events celebrating the genius of Charles Ives and other visionary composers. From the Philharmonia's debut at Bold Tendencies in Peckham, featuring Oliver Leith's innovative compositions and Charles Ives' 'The Housatonic at Stockbridge,' to the grand finale at the Royal Albert Hall with the Last Night of the Proms, and the Britten Sinfonia's electrifying performances with the Will Gregory Moog Ensemble at the Barbican Centre, there's something for every music lover.

London's Classical Music Extravaganza: Celebrating Charles Ives and More

Experience an extraordinary fusion of jazz and classical music as Tim Garland’s Lighthouse Trio collaborates with the Britten Sinfonia. This ambitious project, part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, showcases the innovative spirit of Garland, a luminary in the jazz improvisation world. The concert features the world premiere of "The Forever Seed," an orchestral piece that highlights the unique synergy between Britten Sinfonia’s leader Thomas Gould, pianist Gwilym Simcock, and drummer Asaf Sirkis, all under Garland’s direction.

The performance is enriched by the eclectic sounds of the Lighthouse Trio’s new album, "Moment of Departure," which blends free-flowing grooves, classical influences, and captivating Turkish rhythms. Adding to the evening’s allure, Yazz Ahmed joins as a special guest on flugelhorn, bringing her distinctive sound to the mix.

The program also includes a new work by Simcock, crafted specifically for this collaboration, and Jonathan Brigg’s "Monkish," a tribute to the legendary Thelonious Monk, performed by Britten Sinfonia’s strings. Visual artist Esra Kizir Gokcen enhances the experience with stunning artwork projections, creating a multi-sensory journey through the realms of jazz and classical music. This event promises a night of musical exploration and artistic innovation, celebrating the enduring relationship between these exceptional musicians.

Tim Garland’s Lighthouse Trio and Britten Sinfonia

University of Cambridge

Milton Court Concert Hall

Experience the mesmerizing fusion of classical and contemporary music with Max Richter's "The New Four Seasons: Vivaldi Recomposed," performed by the renowned Britten Sinfonia. This innovative reimagining of Vivaldi's timeless masterpiece offers a thrilling and hypnotic auditory journey, transforming the familiar into the extraordinary. Richter's composition elevates Vivaldi's genius, creating a soundscape that feels both celestial and intimate, as if viewing the world from a cosmic vantage point.

The Britten Sinfonia, celebrated for their profound connection to this piece, first brought it to life in concert in 2012. Their interpretation has since captivated audiences, most notably during a sold-out performance for 5,000 attendees at the 2023 BBC Proms, where it received a rapturous reception. Under the direction of violinist Thomas Gould, the ensemble's performance promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, blending technical mastery with emotional depth.

This event showcases the Britten Sinfonia's exceptional ability to breathe new life into classical works, making them accessible and exhilarating for contemporary audiences. Max Richter's "The New Four Seasons: Vivaldi Recomposed" stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical music, reinterpreted through a modern lens, and continues to enchant listeners with its innovative and evocative sound.

Max Richter's Vivaldi Recomposed

St Peter Mancroft

The Apex

Experience a unique fusion of mathematics and music with The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble and Britten Sinfonia. This concert brings together the innovative sounds of synths and classical music, featuring composer and keyboardist Will Gregory, known for his work with the electropop duo Goldfrapp. The 10-piece Moog Ensemble includes prominent figures from the pop and classical music scenes, such as Adrian Utley of Portishead, Hazel Mills from Florence and the Machine, and composer Graham Fitkin. 

The first half of the concert is a tribute to the pioneering women of electronic music, Delia Derbyshire and Wendy Carlos, with performances of synth-heavy, sci-fi movie soundtracks. Highlights include Wendy Carlos's Moog-overdubbed Bach arrangements and the score for Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange. The program also features pieces like Bernard Herrmann's Fahrenheit 451 Suite, Charles Ives's The Unanswered Question, and themes from iconic films and TV shows such as John Carpenter's Escape from New York, Vangelis's Chariots of Fire, and the Doctor Who theme by Ron Grainer and Delia Derbyshire.

Adding a unique twist, the concert includes the London premiere of Will Gregory’s suite for synths and orchestra, Heat Ray: The Archimedes Project. This performance is enhanced by the presence of Matt Parker, a renowned stand-up mathematician, who blends comedy with mathematical insights, creating an engaging and educational experience. This event promises a captivating journey through the retro-futurist world of electronic music, celebrating its rich history and innovative future.

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The Will Gregory Moog Ensemble and Britten Sinfonia

The Anvil

Barbican Centre

Saffron Hall

Each year we select eight Opus 1 composers, who receive the opportunity to write for a group of Britten Sinfonia musicians and to take part in workshops and a recording day, receiving advice and feedback from both our musicians and the Opus 1 programme directors, Cheryl Frances Hoad and Raymond Yiu.

Opus 1 Showcase

All Saints Church Cambridge

Bringing together extraordinary imagery and some of the greatest orchestral music ever written, Professor Cox examines astonishing cosmic ideas and creates the links between cosmology and music by Mahler, Strauss and Sibelius. Featuring Britten Sinfonia conducted by Daniel Harding, this show will remind us of what it means to be human, and what it means to live a small finite life in a spectacular infinite Universe.

Symphonic Horizons

Royal Opera House

Experience a unique musical collaboration as sarod virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan reconnects with the Britten Sinfonia, one of the UK's premier chamber orchestras. This event features the exceptional leadership of violinist Jacqueline Shave and the masterful conducting of David Murphy. The performance will explore the rich tapestry of Indian classical music, presenting 15th Century Ragas such as Raga Darbari and Raga Mia Ki Malhar, arranged by David Murphy. Additionally, the UK première of "Shringar: The Adornment," arranged for sarod and chamber ensemble, promises to be a highlight. This piece exemplifies the ongoing creative relationship between Amjad Ali Khan and the Britten Sinfonia, blending traditional Indian sounds with contemporary orchestral arrangements. The concert is a testament to the enduring and evolving dialogue between Eastern and Western musical traditions, offering a profound and immersive auditory experience.

Britten Sinfonia and Amjad Ali Khan

Wigmore Hall

Experience the enchanting tale of "The Robot and the Bluebird" brought to life by the Britten Sinfonia. This heartwarming story follows a robot with a broken heart who finds new purpose by saving the life of a little bird. The narrative, originally penned by David Lucas, is beautifully adapted into a musical performance featuring a jazz-influenced score by composer Raphael Clarkson. Presenter Sheena Masson guides the audience through this uplifting journey, accompanied by specially created animations by Victor Craven. The performance, designed to captivate audiences of all ages, particularly children aged 4 to 7, lasts approximately 50 minutes. Join us for a memorable experience that combines storytelling, music, and visual art in a unique and engaging way.

Family Concert: The Robot and the Bluebird

The Organ Reborn Norwich Cathedral Organ Festival marks the first anniversary of the organ’s return following an ambitious rebuild project, ensuring its music will be enjoyed for generations to come. This celebration features the Britten Sinfonia performing alongside the Norwich Cathedral Choir and organist David Dunnett. The program includes a selection of works by Fauré and Poulenc, culminating in the choral masterpiece, Duruflé's Requiem. The event promises a rich auditory experience, showcasing the harmonious blend of orchestral and choral music within the majestic setting of Norwich Cathedral. The festival not only highlights the technical and artistic achievements of the organ's restoration but also underscores the enduring legacy of classical music through these timeless compositions.

Organ Reborn! Britten Sinfonia At Norwich Cathedral Organ Festival

Norwich Cathedral

Britten Sinfonia returns to the Peasmarsh Festival with a captivating programme that traces the evolution of orchestral music from the classical elegance of Haydn to the romantic expressiveness of the late nineteenth century. The evening opens with Haydn's Sinfonia Concertante in Bb major, a delightful piece that showcases the interplay between violin, cello, oboe, and bassoon. Following this, the poignant Élégie for cello and orchestra by Fauré offers a moment of introspective beauty, highlighting the cello's lyrical capabilities. Dvořák's Romance for violin and orchestra in F minor continues the journey with its heartfelt melodies and rich orchestration. The concert culminates in Beethoven's Symphony No. 1 in C major, a work that heralds the composer's early mastery and hints at the revolutionary symphonic innovations to come. With performances by distinguished musicians including Anthony Marwood on violin, Richard Lester on cello, Peter Facer on oboe, and Sarah Burnett on bassoon, under the direction of Thomas Gould, this event promises a rich and varied exploration of orchestral repertoire.

Britten Sinfonia At Peasmarsh Festival

Church of Saint Mary, Rye

Britten Sinfonia joins members of the Abbey Choir, celebrated soprano Carolyn Sampson, tenor Simon Wall and bass Jonathan Brown to bring to life this sacred oratorio, depicting and celebrating the creation of the world as narrated in the Book of Genesis.

The Choir of Westminster Abbey is renowned worldwide as one of the finest ensembles of its type, its repertoire extending from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to twentieth-century masterpieces and new commissions.

Haydn's The Creation at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

Edmund Rubbra is a sadly neglected composer, but was highly rated in his time. Inscape (1964) is a beautiful melodic setting of four poems by Gerald Manley Hopkins.

Britten's Saint Nicolas (1948) tells stories of the life of St Nicolas, fourth century Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, including the miraculous bringing back to life of three "pickled boys". Nicholas Pritchard will be reprising his role as St Nicolas, which he performed alongside Britten Sinfonia at the Aldeburgh Festival this June.

Britten Saint Nicholas

Lisa will be performing new orchestrations of songs from her studio albums, Same cloth or not, Pothole in the Sky, Heard a long gone song and All of this is chance. She may even introduce the beginnings of some things new as we approach the end of another year. Recognising the significance of 11 December as being in the lunar phase known as the Cold Moon, or the Long Night Moon - the last full moon of the year and symbolic of a cycle of death and rebirth.

Britten Sinfonia

Nov 23, 2024

Britten Saint Nicholas

Dec 11, 2024

Lisa O’Neill with Britten Sinfonia: Symphony for the Cold Moon

19 - 20 Nov, 2024

Tim Garland’s Lighthouse Trio and Britten Sinfonia

5 - 6 Nov, 2024

Max Richter's Vivaldi Recomposed

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