Britten at the RCM

Monday 18 November 2013

On 19 and 22 November the RCM is celebrating the centenary of RCM alumnus Benjamin Britten with a series of exciting concerts.

To mark 100 years since the birth of one of the most important figures in the history of British music, RCM musicians and singers are joining forces to present a selection of the prolific composer’s works.

Tuesday 19 November will focus on Britten’s music for woodwind, and conclude with his first published work: Sinfonietta op 1, completed while he was a student at the RCM. 

Then, on Friday 22 November – the exact date of Britten’s 100th birthday – RCM musicians perform the composer’s much-loved songs, solos and chamber music in the RCM’s Britten Theatre. Film-maker Tony Palmer (Britten's friend for decades) also introduces a screening of his new film on Britten “Nocturne”, which focuses on the nature of creativity and on the preoccupation of Britten – a committed pacifist – with war and inhumanity.  

Tickets for all of the events are free, but required. For full details and to book tickets see www.rcm.ac.uk/britten100

The RCM Museum of Music’s autumn exhibition ‘Britten: the Student Years, 1930–1933' also continues to run throughout December 2013 – for full details see the museum’s website.