Britten Sinfonia: A bold mix

In partnership with the Barbican, Britten Sinfonia's 2016-17 season features a vast array of music, with combinations that promise to both surprise and illuminate.

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Saffron Hall Resident Orchestra

Britten Sinfonia is pleased to announce its 2016-17 season of concerts and events as Saffron Hall's brand new Resident Orchestra.

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Britten Sinfonia At Lunch

Showcasing Britten Sinfonia principal players, tickets are now available for the 2016-17 season of our award-winning At Lunch series.

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Britten Sinfonia: A bold mix

Saffron Hall Resident Orchestra

Britten Sinfonia At Lunch

Concerts & Events

Concerts & Events

Next Events

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course I

01 Oct - 15 Oct 2016

Britten Sinfonia Academy (BSA) launches its fifth season with an intensive course focusing on chamber orchestral skills: leadership, sectional playing and playing without a conductor.

Stabat Mater with The Sixteen

London Norwich Manchester

15 Oct - 28 Oct 2016

Few living composers communicate with the emotional directness of James MacMillan, so the world premiere of his Stabat Mater will be a major occasion. Harry Christophers conducts Britten Sinfonia and The Sixteen, placing MacMillan in context with music from Tallis to Vaughan Williams.

Inaugural Resident Orchestra Concert

Saffron Walden

16 Oct 2016

In our inaugural concert as Saffron Hall’s brand new Resident Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia is joined by The Sixteen to open our 2016-17 season.

Britten Weekend: Richard Alston Dance Company

Snape

21 Oct - 22 Oct 2016

Britten Sinfonia and Richard Alston Dance Company revive their Olivier Award nominated partnership as part of Britten Dances – Aldeburgh Music’s Britten Weekend.

Britten Weekend: Pekka Kuusisto

Snape

23 Oct 2016

In the final performance of Britten Sinfonia’s residency at Aldeburgh’s Britten weekend the brilliance and bravura of Britten’s writing for string orchestra is illustrated in Pekka Kuusisto’s programme of extremes.

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course 2

05 Nov - 13 Nov 2016

In six intensive courses across the season, the talented young musicians in Britten Sinfonia Academy (BSA) explore different aspects of repertoire, performance and musical leadership for which our parent orchestra is renowned.

Steve Reich at 80

London Saffron Walden Bristol

05 Nov - 14 Nov 2016

A concert to celebrate the master of minimalism’s 80th birthday. Alongside Steve Reich and Beryl Korot’s acclaimed multi-media fable for the 20th century, Three Tales, Britten Sinfonia perform Reich’s latest work, Pulse, and his seminal work for string quartet and tape, Different Trains – works which see Reich at his most innovative, uncompromising and prophetic.

King’s College Organ Gala

Cambridge

09 Nov 2016

Britten Sinfonia alongside acclaimed organist, Thomas Trotter, return to King’s College for the first concert on the Chapel’s newly-restored organ.

Independent Opera

London

11 Nov - 19 Nov 2016

Independent Opera at Sadler’s Wells returns with Britten Sinfonia, following the success of their 2015 production of Šimon Voseček’s Biedermann and the Arsonists, with the UK première of Hartmann’s Simplicius Simplicissimus in a new translation by David Pountney.

The Dream of Gerontius

Ely

12 Nov 2016

‘This is the best of me’, wrote Elgar at the end of his choral masterpiece. It tells of Gerontius, the Everyman, and his heartfelt expression of loss and hope in the face of death.

Alice’s Adventures Under Ground

London

28 Nov 2016

Opera through the looking glass: Lewis Carroll meets classical music’s funniest living composer in Gerald Barry’s uproarious new opera.

At Lunch One 2016-17

Norwich Cambridge London

09 Dec - 14 Dec 2016

Schoenberg’s first published work, Verklarte Nacht, sees him poised on the brink between Romanticism and atonality, using bold and rich chromatic language to push tonality to its limits.

Jóhann Jóhannsson

London

09 Dec 2016

Exploring his new fascination with the voice as an instrument, Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, with Britten Sinfonia Voices conducted by Eamonn Dougan, perform music from Jóhannsson’s new album, Orphée alongside new soundtrack work and material from across his career.

Mahan Esfahani directs

London Saffron Walden

03 Feb - 04 Feb 2017

No one has done more to enhance the image of the harpsichord in recent years than the Iranian-American virtuoso Mahan Esfahani who has captivated audiences with his fiery and engaging performances.

At Lunch Two 2016-17

London Norwich Cambridge

08 Feb - 14 Feb 2017

A composer of truly international stature, Mark-Anthony Turnage is among the most relevant communicators and creators of today.

Max the Brave: Family Picture Book Concert

Norwich Saffron Walden London

17 Feb - 19 Feb 2017

Ed Vere’s vivid children’s book comes alive in this delightful piece of music theatre, with live music performed by Britten Sinfonia.

John Adams at 70

London

25 Feb 2017

Cartoon capers and nostalgia remade in this technicolor 70th birthday toast to John Adams. Every note of John Adams’s music is an exploration of the sounds that changed America.

Bach’s St John Passion

Norwich London

13 Apr - 14 Apr 2017

Celebrated tenor, Mark Padmore has gained particular acclaim for his numerous appearances as Evangelist in Bach Passions.

At Lunch Three 2016-17

London Norwich Cambridge

19 Apr - 25 Apr 2017

A programme centred on the artistry of renowned oboist Nicholas Daniel featuring a new work by Brian Elias commissioned by Wigmore Hall for Nicholas and Britten Sinfonia, alongside Finzi’s intimate yet cinematic Interlude and Mozart’s String Quintet in C minor with the oboe taking the role of the first violin.

Beethoven Symphony Cycle I

Norwich Saffron Walden London

26 May - 02 Jun 2017

“Adès makes you hear things with which you thought you were familiar as if they were completely new” wrote the Guardian’s Tom Service and in this Beethoven Symphony cycle, the enthralling composer and conductor Thomas Adès is sure to shed new light on these monuments of orchestral repertoire.

Adès, Barry, Beethoven

London

30 May 2017

Ludwig van Beethoven was music’s ultimate revolutionary whilst Gerald Barry smashes every rule of new music.

Beethoven Symphony Cycle II

London

06 Jun 2017

“Adès makes you hear things with which you thought you were familiar as if they were completely new” wrote the Guardian’s Tom Service and in this Beethoven Symphony cycle, the enthralling composer and conductor Thomas Adès is sure to shed new light on these monuments of orchestral repertoire.

Jeff Mills: Light from the Outside World

London

10 Jun 2017

The legendary Techno producer presents his project that blurs the lines between the club and concert hall – re-working music from his back catalogue for symphony orchestra.

Jeff Mills: Planets

London

12 Jun 2017

Inspired by Gustav Holst’s The Planets, DJ and composer Jeff Mills takes you through our solar system in the UK premiere of his score for orchestra and electronics featuring Britten Sinfonia Like Holst, Mills paints the solar system musically, depicting each planet as well as the distances between them.

At Lunch Four 2016-17

Norwich Cambridge

13 Jul - 14 Jul 2017

A programme performed by the young musicians of Britten Sinfonia Academy, featuring the world premiere of a new work by Elena Langer.

Next Productions

2016

Oct

01

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course I

10:00AM

Buy Now

2016

Oct

08

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course I

10:00AM

Buy Now

2016

Oct

15

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course I

10:00AM

Buy Now

2016

Oct

15

Stabat Mater with The Sixteen

7:30PM

London

Barbican, London

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2016

Oct

16

Inaugural Resident Orchestra Concert

7:30PM

Saffron Walden

Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden

Buy Now

View Calendar

Britten Sinfonia is one of the world's most celebrated and pioneering ensembles.

The orchestra is acclaimed for its virtuoso musicianship, an inspired approach to concert programming which makes bold, intelligent connections across 400 years of repertoire, and a versatility that is second to none. Britten Sinfonia breaks the mould by not having a principal conductor or director, instead choosing to collaborate with a range of the finest international guest artists from across the musical spectrum, resulting in performances of rare insight and energy.

“

There are few more thrilling things in British music than Britten Sinfonia on top form.

Ivan Hewett, The Daily Telegraph

”

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Latest News

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Sep 28thFascinating interview with @SteveReich on @BBCFrontRow right now!
Sep 28thFull details of our performances in October in our latest press release - https://t.co/yL2zUjo94Q
Sep 28thFind out what our Britten Sinfonia Academy are up to in the 2016-17 season in our latest press release https://t.co/yL2zUjo94Q
Sep 28thOur musicians talk about @SaffronHallSW ahead of our 1st concert as Resident Orchestra in our latest blog https://t.co/3zfKg2IGlA

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Latest News

Britten Sinfonia musicians talk Saffron Hall

blog 28 Sep 2016

Ahead of the start of our first season as Resident Orchestra at Saffron Hall we spoke to some of our musicians who live locally to the venue about what it’s like to perform at the concert hall and what they’re looking forward to in our first season.

Creative Learning Co-ordinator vacancy

news 22 Sep 2016

Britten Sinfonia is currently seeking a Creative Learning Co-ordinator. The Creative Learning Co-ordinator will support our busy education team delivering a programme of inspiring work across the east of England and beyond.

2016-17 season trailer released

news 30 Aug 2016

We are proud to present our 2016-17 season trailer – a short film about our upcoming projects and collaborations.

Side by Side

news 23 Aug 2016

When Britten Sinfonia’s inaugural season as Resident Orchestra at Saffron Hall launches on Sunday 16 October, members of the orchestra will already have been working with local talent, embedding the ensemble’s artistry in the community.

New works by Francisco Coll

news 16 Aug 2016

On Monday 15th August, Britten Sinfonia under the baton of Thomas Adès gave the London premiere of Francisco Coll’s Four Iberian Miniatures with violin soloist Augustin Hadelich at the BBC Proms.

“Cloudless skies and soaring temperatures”

blog 29 Jul 2016

AYM / BSA Contemporary Music and Performance Residential Course The smiling café manager at Snape Maltings asks us if we’re absolutely sure we’d like cappuccinos.

Britten Sinfonia resident at Aldeburgh’s Britten Weekend 2016

news 28 Jul 2016

Britten Sinfonia is pleased to announce it will be resident at Aldeburgh Music’s Britten weekend this October.

New Principal Horn

news 20 Jul 2016

Britten Sinfonia is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Owen as Principal Horn. Concerts Director, James Calver commented “It gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome Martin Owen into the Britten Sinfonia fold.

Development & Marketing Assistant Vacancies

news 18 Jul 2016

Britten Sinfonia is currently seeking both a Development Assistant and a Marketing Assistant. The Development Assistant will support our busy fundraising team which raises income from individuals, trusts, public funders, and through corporate sponsorship.

New Creative Learning Film

news 13 Jul 2016

In a single season, up to 10,000 people of all ages from schools, families and communities across the east of England and beyond will embark on a journey of discovery, exploration and celebration through our Creative Learning initiatives.

A year in the life of Britten Sinfonia Academy

blog 22 Jun 2016

On Sunday 6 September 2015 a group of 30 young musicians got together for their first day of Britten Sinfonia Academy (BSA) 2015-16.

Norwich 2016-17 series now on sale

news 22 Jun 2016

Tickets are now on sale for Britten Sinfonia’s 2016-17 series of concerts in Norwich. Britten Sinfonia’s 2016-17 season promises a huge array of music, presented in surprising and illuminating combinations.

A Concerto Grosso named Salmigondis – by Ken Hesketh

blog 07 Jun 2016

Later this month the young musicians of Britten Sinfonia Academy will give the first performance of Concerto Salmigondis as part of At Lunch Five.

2016-17 At Lunch concert series at Wigmore Hall on sale now

news 31 May 2016

Tickets are now on sale for Britten Sinfonia’s 2016-17 At Lunch series at London’s Wigmore Hall.

Britten Sinfonia Resident Orchestra – Saffron Hall season announced

news 10 May 2016

Britten Sinfonia is pleased to announce its 2016-17 season of concerts and events as Saffron Hall’s brand new Resident Orchestra.

Podcast with Bryce Dessner

news 14 Apr 2016

Bryce Dessner talks about his new work in our latest podcast. Kate Kennedy led a pre-concert talk with Bryce Dessner prior to the London premiere of his new work, El Chan, commissioned by Britten Sinfonia and Wigmore Hall which has been released as a podcast.

Jacqueline Shave – celebrating 10 years as Britten Sinfonia leader

blog 14 Apr 2016

This April we celebrate Jacqueline Shave’s first ten years as Britten Sinfonia’s Leader. A unique and inspiring musician, we talked to some of our principal musicians and others about what makes her so special… She is a wonderful musician and a natural, gifted leader.

Tour to China

news 11 Apr 2016

In May 2016 Britten Sinfonia make their Chinese debut touring to three cities; Shanghai, Wuhan and Beijing.

BBC Music Magazine Awards

news 06 Apr 2016

The first recording of James MacMillan’s Oboe Concerto, by Britten Sinfonia and its principal oboe, Nicholas Daniel, and conducted by the composer, has won the BBC Music Magazine Premiere Award.

BSA 2016-17 season announcement

news 22 Feb 2016

Britten Sinfonia Academy’s (BSA) 2016-17 season will see the audacious young ensemble side by side with their professional mentors on the stage at Saffron Hall, Theatre Royal Norwich and London’s Barbican Hall.

OPUS2016 winner announced

news 18 Feb 2016

53-year-old composer Sohrab Uduman has been selected as the winner of OPUS2016, Britten Sinfonia’s open submission scheme for unrepresented composers.

2016-17 Barbican season announced

news 26 Jan 2016

In partnership with the Barbican, Britten Sinfonia is proud to announce it’s fifth season as Associate Ensemble.

OPUS2016 shortlisted composer – Sohrab Uduman

blog 08 Jan 2016

In this blog we find out more about OPUS2016 shortlisted composer Sohrab Uduman Full Name: Sohrab Uduman Age: 53 Where are you from?