Britten Festival
The year 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s birth, and centenary celebrations will continue throughout the year. Curtis is already at the starting gate, planning a mini-festival from January 25 through 27 curated by Mikael Eliasen, artistic director of the Curtis Opera Theatre, in collaboration with Curtis 20/21 and its artistic director, David Ludwig. Three recitals provide a fascinating overview of Britten’s songs and chamber music, including classics like the Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings and the Phantasy Quartet. All of which should get you in the Britten frame of mind in time to reserve tickets for his compelling opera, Owen Wingrave, to be produced in March by Curtis Opera Theatre in collaboration with the Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Recitals
FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2013, 8:00 PM
Student Recital Series
at Field Concert Hall
Several of Britten’s most beloved song cycles—A Charm of Lullabies, On This Island, and the William Blake Songs—plus the whimsical Phantasy Quartet for Oboe and Strings | Learn more
SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2013, 8:00 PM
Student Recital Series
at Gould Rehearsal Hall at Lenfest Hall
Renowned vocal works with chamber orchestra and vocalists, including the Serenade for tenor, horn, and strings; Nocturne; and the monodrama Phaedra | Learn more
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2013, 3:00 PM
Student Recital Series
at Field Concert Hall
The last work Britten heard—Mozart’s Sonata for piano duo in C major—pairs with the last work he wrote, the String Quartet No.3, as well as two earlier works, the Cello Sonata Op. 65 and Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo | Learn more
Curtis Opera Theatre
Owen Wingrave
George Manahan, conductor
Daniel Fish, stage director
A committed pacifist born into a renowned military family meets a torrent of disapproval over his beliefs in Britten's spellbinding chamber opera based on a short story by Henry James. Owen Wingrave is determined to prove his inner strength to his would-be bride-even if it leads to his own mysterious end. Fully staged production with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, sung in English with supertitles. Production includes singers from the Philadelphia Boys Choir.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013, 7:30 PM
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013, 8:00 PM
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 2013, 2:30 PM
All performances take place at the Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
