Britten Sinfonia
Associate Ensemble

Famed for its dazzling musicianship and thrilling programmes, Britten Sinfonia is unique in not having a principal conductor or director, choosing instead to focus on its virtuoso musicians.
The resulting collaborations with the finest guest artists from across the musical spectrum lead to performances of rare insight, commitment and energy.
Events

Britten Sinfonia/Opera Rara: Mercadante’s Il proscritto
Opera Rara Artistic Director and internationally acknowledged 19th-century opera specialist Carlo Rizzi joins Britten Sinfonia and an exceptional cast in a revival of Mercadante’s Il proscritto.
Britten Sinfonia: Magnum Opus Showcase
Britten Sinfonia’s year-long composer development programme, Magnum Opus, comes to a climax with the premieres of new chamber concertos by Aileen Sweeney, Jonathan Brigg and Nathan James Dearden.

Britten Sinfonia: Bach's Christmas Oratorio
Britten Sinfonia, Polyphony and Stephen Layton come together for a glorious seasonal celebration of Bach's festive masterpiece, featuring a handpicked cast of twelve specialist solo singers.

Britten Sinfonia/Pagrav Dance: Holst’s Sāvitri
Britten Sinfonia and Sir Mark Elder join forces with Pagrav Dance Company, fusing classical Indian Kathak dance styles with contemporary storytelling to bring to life Holst’s chamber opera Sāvitri.

Britten Sinfonia with Ian Bostridge
Join Ian Bostridge and Britten Sinfonia on a journey around Europe with folk-inspired chamber music from Bartók to Britten, including a new work by Sir James MacMillan.

Britten Sinfonia: City Life
Associate Ensemble Britten Sinfonia pay a unique tribute to the Barbican on its 40th birthday with a commentary on 21st-century urban life with music by Steve Reich, Brett Dean and Dobrinka Tabakova.

Britten Sinfonia: Handel's Messiah
Handel’s glorious Messiah holds a special place in many people’s hearts over the Christmas period, but perhaps it will be even more significant in 2021.
Britten Sinfonia/Alison Balsom: An American Rhapsody
Britten Sinfonia join forces with star trumpeter Alison Balsom in a concert harnessing the power and legacy of Miles Davis and the enduring musical influence of the Jazz Age.

Britten Sinfonia/Sebastião Salgado: Amazônia in concert
A special event blending music and photography, celebrating Sebastião Salgado’s striking black and white images capturing the beauty and fragility of one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

Thomas Adès at 50: Live from the Barbican
Join us in celebrating one of Britain’s most original musical voices. Thomas Adès plays composer, conductor and pianist in his 50th birthday concert with the versatile Britten Sinfonia.
Britten Sinfonia with Alison Balsom
Superstar Alison Balsom performs a virtuosic programme of music from Purcell to Birtwistle via Scarlatti, celebrating the remarkable voice of the trumpet.

Britten Sinfonia: St Matthew Passion
One of Bach’s greatest works: urgent, committed and impassioned, with a stellar cast led by Nicholas Mulroy.

Britten Sinfonia: Curlew River
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.