Saved events

Curlew River

Britten Sinfonia

Ian Bostridge portrait

Inspired by Japanese Noh theatre, Benjamin Britten's church parable is a truly striking work. Ian Bostridge heads a starry cast alongside Britten Sinfonia Voices and musicians. 

Benjamin Britten and William Plomer’s synthesis of a Noh play and Christian parable set in medieval East Anglia is a unique and extraordinary work – a piece shot through with the strange, exotic sounds of bells, un-tuned drums, organ and chamber ensemble. Curlew River sweeps audiences into a fascinating, unknown world portraying both Buddhist world views and Christian redemption beliefs.

Celebrated tenor Ian Bostridge heads a starry cast to reprise his acclaimed interpretation of the Madwoman. The cast also includes bass-baritone Ashley Riches as the Ferryman, alongside Britten Sinfonia and the orchestra’s own professional choir, Britten Sinfonia Voices, directed by Eamonn Dougan. 

This concert will end at approximately 8.40pm, without an interval.

6pm Pre-concert talk

Discover

architecture detail of the barbican hall

Composer Focus – Episode 2: Benjamin Britten with Roderick Williams

In episode two, host Ed Seckerson is joined by baritone and composer Roderick Williams to discuss Benjamin Britten, a complex and often contradictory character, and one of the 20th century’s greatest opera composers.

See more gigs for less

Get 20% off tickets and pay no booking fees. Plus, enjoy priority booking and Member-only events (T&Cs apply)

Milton Court Concert Hall