DIARY FOR THE BENJAMIN BRITTEN CENTENARY SERIES

A CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF BRITTEN (1913 – 76)

 A ten week exploration of selected works by this much admired but still controversial composer.

1

7 January

The emergence of the young genius: Selected works from the 1930’s

 Sinfonietta, Piano Concerto, Violin Concerto

Frank Bridge Variations

2

14 January

A natural symphonist? A survey of  Sinfonia da Requiem, Simple Symphony, Spring Symphony, Cello Symphony

3

21 January

British Opera awakened – “Peter Grimes”

4

28 January

Grand Opera – “Billy Budd”

5

4 February

Britten and Shakespeare – “Midsummer Night’s Dream”

6

11 February

Britten – the String Quartet and instrumental solo music

7

18 February

Chamber Opera – “The Turn of the Screw”

 

25 February

No Lecture

8

4 March

Orchestral song cycles – “Serenade for Tenor Horn and Strings” and “Nocturne”

9

11 March

(1)  “St Nicholas” and other Gems

(2)  Composer David Matthews who worked with Britten talks about the Man and the Music.

10

18 March

War Requiem

About the Group

 

WHAT WE ARE ABOUT

Many of us have been devotees of classical music lectures given by MATTHEW TAYLOR in the Recital Room of Blackheath Concert Halls on Mondays during term time. Matthew has been the composer in residence at the Halls and is a prolific pianist and a fine conductor. His lectures take the form of anecdotal history and musical illustration. He demonstrates at the piano reproducing whole scores and then we listen to the CD.

Each term is devoted to a subject.  It may be devoted to one composer or a group of composers. Some series have been built around particular types of work such as Beethoven symphonies and more recently Mozart concertos  –  Sometimes a series is built round a particular period such as British Music 1920-1940

IS THIS FOR ME?

These lectures are devised so that one doesn’t need technical knowledge whilst at the same time the experienced aficionado always finds something new to learn.

Lectures are from 10 am to midday on a Monday with an interval. It is a place where friendships can be made. We have retired people and those still at work. The lectures make Mondays something to look forward to. For parents who have dropped off their children they are a welcome break.

DIP YOUR TOE IN THE WATER.

 If you are not quite certain that this is for you, then you can dip your toe in the water first of all by coming free of charge to a taster. For those who cannot manage to come for the whole term we can usually make a special arrangement. Fees are normally paid on the first day of term.