Elbphilharmonie Großer Saal

Benjamin Britten: Curlew River

Lux aeterna

This event has already taken place! €12 | 25 | 45 | 65 | 75
This event has already taken place! €12 | 25 | 45 | 65 | 75

Japanese Noh theatre art meets European music

»Curlew River«, finale of the »Lux aeterna« festival, sweeps audiences into a fascinating, unknown world. Benjamin Britten’s first of three »Church Parables«, a synthesis of Japanese Noh theatre and European music, portrays both Buddhist world views and Christian redemption beliefs.

Inspired by a trip to Japan in 1956, Britten merged his own personal beliefs with experiences from the East. »Curlew River« is stern, puritanical and concentrated down to the essentials – but also instantly accessible and poignant. The wonderful English tenor Ian Bostridge, often considered as the warrantable successor to Britten’s partner and preferred singer Peter Pears, takes on the title role of Mother. She slips into insanity while searching for her missing son and at his grave, seeks healing through God’s grace.

Performers

Britten Sinfonia

Britten Sinfonia Voices

Ian Bostridge tenor

Marcus Farnsworth baritone

Ashley Riches bass baritone

Jonathan Lemalu bass baritone

Solist des Tölzer Knabenchores 

Martin Fitzpatrick conductor, organ

Programme

Benjamin Britten
Curlew River / A Parable for Church Performance op. 71