2017-18 Norwich concert series

Tickets now available for Britten Sinfonia’s 2017-18 Norwich series of concerts

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Saffron Hall Resident Orchestra 2017-18

Full details now available for our second season as Resident Orchestra at Saffron Hall

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Barbican 2017-18 series

Tickets now available for Britten Sinfonia’s 2017-18 season as the Barbican’s Associate Ensemble.

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2017-18 Norwich concert series

Saffron Hall Resident Orchestra 2017-18

Barbican 2017-18 series

Concerts & Events

Concerts & Events

Next Events

Custard the Dragon: Key Stage 1 Tour

Peterborough

02 Nov - 30 Nov 2017

A cat…a mouse…a dog…a house. A pirate…a dragon and adventure! An interactive concert experience for key stages 1 & 2, Custard the Dragon, is based on Ogden Nash’s poem, The Tale of Custard the Dragon, and has been created just for children.

Elder conducts Brahms

Norwich London Saffron Walden

08 Nov - 10 Nov 2017

Brahms’s First Symphony, one of the greatest of all Romantic symphonies, was first performed with considerably smaller musical forces than we are used to hearing today.

At Lunch One 2017-18

London Cambridge Norwich

17 Nov - 24 Nov 2017

Nik Bärtsch’s music was praised by The New York Times for blending ‘post-modernism with a precision groove honed in the spirit of James Brown’.

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course 2

18 Nov - 19 Nov 2017

Britten Sinfonia Academy: Working with vocalists and soloists – 18 & 19 November 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 Britten Sinfonia is renowned.

King’s College Choir: Chichester Psalms

London Saffron Walden

02 Dec - 16 Feb 2018

Written in 1965, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, with its brass, harps and exquisite solo for boy treble, provides an exhilarating invocation of the composer’s hopes for brotherhood and peace, sentiments mirrored by Vaughan Williams impassioned Dona nobis pacem.

The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom

Cambridge

17 Dec - 17 Dec 2017

Terry Davies conducts René Aubry’s inspired scores for the much-loved children’s classics The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, based on the books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course 3

13 Jan - 20 Jan 2018

Britten Sinfonia Academy: Chamber ensembles and programming – 13 & 14 January, 20 January 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 Britten Sinfonia is renowned.

At Lunch Two 2017-18

Cambridge London Norwich

23 Jan - 26 Jan 2018

Leo Chadburn’s new work for piano trio and electronics is set amongst chamber repertoire both new and old.

A King’s Ransom

Norwich

01 Feb - 02 Feb 2018

The professional world premiere of a children’s opera by chart-topping classical composer, Patrick Hawes. A King’s Ransom reimagines the story of Robin Hood.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho

Paris

03 Feb 2018

Who among us doesn’t remember Psycho’s famous shower scene? Norman Bates’ (Anthony Perkins) knife pounds to the rhythm of the string dissonances imagined by Bernard Hermmann.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo

Paris

04 Feb 2018

The distinct pleasure of watching one of Hitchcock’s major films is doubled with the addition of hearing Bernard Herrmann’s score live by Britten Sinfonia.

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course 4

24 Feb - 25 Feb 2018

Britten Sinfonia Academy: Experimentation and electronics – 24 & 25 February 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 Britten Sinfonia is renowned.

Rhapsody in Blue with Jeremy Denk

London Norwich Bury St Edmunds

27 Feb - 05 Mar 2018

From its opening clarinet glissando Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue has become synonymous with 1920’s America and its popularity continues to this day.

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course 5

25 Mar - 29 Apr 2018

Britten Sinfonia Academy: At Lunch preparation – 25 March, 28 & 29 April 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 Britten Sinfonia is renowned.

Coraline

London

27 Mar - 07 Apr 2018

Coraline is the latest opera from Mark-Anthony Turnage. Turnage is one of today’s leading composers and a highly successful, internationally acclaimed opera writer.

Easter Voices

London

28 Mar 2018

The talents of the acclaimed Britten Sinfonia Voices, conducted by Eamonn Dougan, are showcased in a special Easter concert featuring two masses written 170 years apart.

Bach St John Passion

London

30 Mar 2018

Britten Sinfonia join Polyphony at St John’s Smith Square for a Good Friday performance of Bach’s St John Passion.

At Lunch Three 2017-18

Cambridge London Norwich

17 Apr - 20 Apr 2018

Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer Caroline Shaw’s new work is premiered in the third At Lunch concert of the season.

Beethoven Symphony Cycle (No’s 4 & 5)

Saffron Walden London Norwich

19 May - 27 May 2018

Thomas Adès and Britten Sinfonia’s journey through Beethoven’s Symphonies reaches the half-way point with the perennially popular, vivacious Symphony No 5 and the subdued, poignant Symphony No 4.

Beethoven Symphony Cycle (No 6)

Saffron Walden London

20 May - 24 May 2018

Beethoven takes inspiration from nature, allowing his imagination to range vividly across the Austrian countryside in his thrilling, intricate “Pastoral” symphony.

Adès, Barry, Beethoven – chamber music

London

23 May 2018

Volatile substances: Thomas Adès and the Britten Sinfonia mix the music of Beethoven and Gerald Barry.

Thomas Adès conducts Thomas Adès

Amsterdam

26 May 2018

Following their 2016 BBC Proms appearance together, Britten Sinfonia and Steven Isserlis under the baton of Thomas Adès once again perform Adès own Lieux retrouves in the prestigious ZaterdagMatinee series at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw.

Britten Sinfonia Academy Course 6

30 Jun - 08 Jul 2018

Britten Sinfonia Academy: At Lunch preparation – 30 June, 1, 7 & 8 July 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 Britten Sinfonia is renowned.

At Lunch Four 2017-18

Norwich

12 Jul 2018

Britten Sinfonia Academy take centre stage in the final concerts of our 2017-18 At Lunch series.

Next Productions

2017

Nov

02

Custard the Dragon: Key Stage 1 Tour

10:00AM

Peterborough

Schools in Peterborough

2017

Nov

08

Elder conducts Brahms

7:30PM

Norwich

St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich

Buy Now

2017

Nov

09

Elder conducts Brahms

7:30PM

London

Barbican, London

Buy Now

2017

Nov

10

Elder conducts Brahms

7:30PM

Saffron Walden

Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden

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2017

Nov

17

At Lunch One 2017-18

1:00PM

London

Wigmore Hall, London

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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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Twitter

Oct 21stKids making musical breadcrumbs to help Tom Thumb find his way home at our Family concert in Beverley https://t.co/QpocBymgM9
Oct 21stToday's #25thBirthday pick is not a design but a photo from our 1999 debut at @bbcproms which featured @Ianbostridge https://t.co/u5LQ5JwTF1
Oct 20thReally looking forward to this... https://t.co/BIZZFgQMr6
Oct 20thWe're still a regular feature in #Norwich - our 2017-18 season kicks off in a couple of weeks @thehallsnorwich… https://t.co/JV9bWwSyzV

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Latest News

Britten Sinfonia Academy 2017-18 season

news 05 Oct 2017

Britten Sinfonia Academy are about to embark on their first course of the 2017-18 season and what a season it promises to be for the talented young musicians of our youth ensemble.

New Podcast: Sir Mark Elder

news 27 Sep 2017

In our latest podcast Sir Mark Elder talks to Ben Eshmade ahead of the start of the orchestra’s Brahms Symphony Cycle which begins in November 2017.

Mark Bowler on composition

blog 26 Sep 2017

OPUS2017 winner, Mark Bowler is currently working on his new work for our At Lunch series under the guidance of composer/mentor Nik Bärtsch.

Sinfonia Students 2017-18 – applications now open

news 11 Sep 2017

Britten Sinfonia is looking for enthusiastic student volunteers in Cambridge to assist with print and digital marketing, culminating in a week’s work experience in our Cambridge offices.

OPUS2017 winner announced

news 08 Sep 2017

Britten Sinfonia is pleased to announce that Mark Bowler is the winner of OPUS2017, following an open call for submissions and a workshop with mentor Nik Bärtsch and members of Britten Sinfonia.

2017-18 season trailer released

news 31 Aug 2017

We are proud to present our 2017-18 season trailer – a short film highlighting some of our upcoming projects and collaborations.

Cambridge 2017-18 At Lunch series now on sale

news 22 Aug 2017

Tickets go on sale today (Tue 22 August 2017) for our 2017-18 At Lunch series at Cambridge’s West Road Concert Hall.

OPUS2017: Shortlist Announced

news 17 Aug 2017

Britten Sinfonia is delighted to announce the selection of three shortlisted composers following an open call for submissions to OPUS2017.

Meet Elisabeth Kulman

blog 10 Aug 2017

Mezzo-soprano Elisabeth Kulman will join Britten Sinfonia and Sir Mark Elder in November, performing Mahler’s sublime song-cycle, Rückert-Lieder with the orchestra.

Britten Sinfonia Academy Applications

news 09 Aug 2017

We are currently recruiting for young musicians who play specific instruments to apply to become members of Britten Sinfonia Academy for the 2017-18 season.

Not your average traineeship!

blog 31 Jul 2017

Aedin Donnelly recently completed her traineeship as orchestra assistant. In this blog she explains what she got up to and the experience she gained whilst with Britten Sinfonia.

Janis Susskind joins Britten Sinfonia board

news 18 Jul 2017

Britten Sinfonia is pleased to announce the appointment of Janis Susskind to its Board of Trustees.

Concerts Assistant – Vacancy

news 17 Jul 2017

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about classical music to join our friendly, but busy Concerts Department as Concerts Assistant.

2017-18 Norwich series announced

news 05 Jul 2017

Today we announce our 2017-18 series of concerts in Norwich, which also marks our 25th anniversary season.

Caroline Shaw on music

blog 04 Jul 2017

Pulitzer prize winning composer, Caroline Shaw is writing a new piece for piano quartet to be premiered in our 2017-18 At Lunch series.

Arts Council England funding

news 27 Jun 2017

Britten Sinfonia is delighted to have retained Arts Council England National Portfolio funding for the next four years.

Concerts & Tours Manager

news 26 Jun 2017

Britten Sinfonia are delighted to announce the appointment of Hazel Terry to the role of Concerts and Tours Manager.

OPUS2017

news 31 May 2017

Open call for submissions now open for Britten Sinfonia’s competition for unpublished composers. Britten Sinfonia’s OPUS competition is an open call for scores in the search for the most exciting compositional talent.

Annual Audience Survey 2017

news 31 May 2017

At Britten Sinfonia we are always keen to hear the views of our audiences. Our annual survey helps us to collate responses to a variety of questions helping us to gain a better understanding of our audience and their needs.

Wigmore Hall 2017-18 At Lunch series now on sale

news 30 May 2017

Tickets go on sale today (Tue 30 May 2017) for our 2017-18 At Lunch series at Wigmore Hall.

Elena Langer on working with Britten Sinfonia

blog 25 May 2017

Elena Langer is one of the UK’s finest contemporary composers. Growing up in Moscow and now based in London, her compositions move seamlessly between multiple genres; opera, orchestral, choral, multimedia, and chamber.

Programme notes now online

news 24 May 2017

Programme notes for all of the performances in year one of our Beethoven Symphony Cycle, conducted by Thomas Adès, are now available to download.

Alexandra Caldon – Beethoven and me

news 23 May 2017

As the orchestra embark on rehearsals for our Beethoven Symphony Cycle we release the final film in our ‘Beethoven and me’ series.

2017-18 Saffron Hall season announced

news 22 May 2017

Saffron Hall has today announced its 2017-18 season featuring Britten Sinfonia in its second series as Resident Orchestra.

David Butcher – Beethoven and me

news 16 May 2017

With just over a week to go until the start of our Beethoven Symphony Cycle we release the third in our series of ‘Beethoven and me’ films.

Emma-Ruth Richards on composition

blog 15 May 2017

In December 2017, Britten Sinfonia gives the world premiere of a new work by Emma-Ruth Richards commissioned by the William Alwyn Foundation and Britten Sinfonia with support from donors to the Musically Gifted scheme.

Jacqueline Shave – Beethoven and me

news 09 May 2017

In the second of our series of ‘Beethoven and me’ short films, leader Jacqueline Shave talks about what Beethoven means to her and why she feels such a close affinity to the composer.

Nicholas Daniel – Beethoven and me

news 02 May 2017

Ahead of the start of our Beethoven Symphony Cycle, conducted by Thomas Adès, later in May we’ll be releasing a series of short films featuring some of our key players talking about what Beethoven means to them.

Podcast with Brian Elias

news 21 Apr 2017

Brian Elias talks about his new Oboe Quintet in our latest podcast. Kate Kennedy led a pre-concert talk with Brian Elias prior to the world premiere of his new Oboe Quintet, written for Nicholas Daniel and Britten Sinfonia and commissioned by Wigmore Hall which has been released as a podcast.

Meet Mark Stone

blog 17 Apr 2017

Ahead of baritone Mark Stone’s performances with Britten Sinfonia conducted by Thomas Adès in Gerald Barry’s Beethoven (part of our our Beethoven Symphony Cycle series) we asked him a few questions; What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Beethoven Symphony Cycle – film

news 11 Apr 2017

Ahead of the start of our Beethoven Symphony Cycle with Thomas Adès we talked to some of our musicians and others about their first experience of hearing and performing Beethoven.

Brian Elias’s Electra Mourns – Released 21 April

news 10 Apr 2017

Britten Sinfonia features on a new NMC release, Electra Mourns to be released on Friday 21 April 2017.