Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth will conduct Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem in early December – a piece written when the composer was just 26 – as the world marks 50 years since his passing.
A dedicated pacifist, Sinfonia da Requiem was one of Britten’s earliest anti-war statements. Dramatic, reflective, and melancholy; it was also a tribute to the composer’s late parents.
“A dedicated pacifist, Sinfonia da Requiem was one of Britten’s earliest anti-war statements.”
The programme in early December will also include Mahler’s Symphony No.4. This was Britten’s most beloved work by Mahler. Soprano Alexandra Lowe will feature, and it will be Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth’s first performance of Mahler with the BSO [2 Dec – Poole, 3 Dec – Exeter].
In the preceding week, a performance at Lighthouse, Poole showcases three composers who held a special place in Britten’s heart – Mahler, Mozart and Schumann. Andrew Manze conducts, welcoming pianist Yeol Eum Son in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.22 in Eb major.
“…a performance showcases three composers who held a special place in Britten’s heart”
Included is an arrangement of one of Mahler’s minuets – What the Wild Flowers Tell Me – famously orchestrated by Britten. He was asked to rework the delicate minuet from Mahler’s Third Symphony to help bring the composer to a wider audience, and this special piece manages to give Mahler’s reverie to flowers an even deeper intimacy.
We hope you can join us this winter as we pay our respects to one of the most beloved British composers, Benjamin Britten.
Join us for concerts in Poole [25 Nov], Poole [2 Dec] and Exeter [3 Dec].