Britten Festival is a series of events celebrating Benjamin Britten’s life and music. As one of the most foremost composers of the twentieth century, Britten lent his genius to a wide variety of mediums, including music for: solo voice, opera, vocal ensembles, chamber ensembles, orchestra, ballet, and music for children. His music, ever mindful of tradition, is always progressive, often exploring the psyche of the individual versus society, with a childlike innocence. Part of the international Britten100 initiative (www.britten100.org), which links together the many events that celebrate the centenary of Benjamin Britten, VCU Music’s festival will showcase orchestral, vocal, and chamber music by the composer.
Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
The VCU Symphony Orchestra will perform “Canadian Carnival,” “Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings” featuring soloists Kenneth Wood and Patrick Smith, and “The Young Person’s Guide to Orchestra.”
$7 in advance, $10 the day of the performance.
Friday, October 4, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
A program of choral and solo vocal music will be presented by the VCU Choirs and VCU Music vocal majors at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. The program includes the “Missa Brevis in D,” “Hymn to Saint Cecilia,” and vocal selections from Britten’s operas, song cycles and folksong arrangements. FREE.
Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
A recital of chamber music will be presented by VCU Music faculty and students. Programming includes “Nocturnal” performed by guitarist David Robinson, “Introduction and Rondo alla Burlesca” for two pianos and the “Gemini Variations” written for flute, violin, and four-hands piano to be performed by Tabatha Peters, Susanna Klein, Sonia Vlahcevic, and Yin Zheng, respectively.
$7 in advance, $10 the day of the performance.
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