Benjamin Britten: Curlew River

Lux aeterna

This concert has already taken place! 12 | 25 | 45 | 65 | 75
This concert has already taken place! 12 | 25 | 45 | 65 | 75
Ian Bostridge
Ian Bostridge © Sim Canetty-Clarke
Marcus Farnsworth
Marcus Farnsworth © Benjamin Ealovega
Jonathan Lemalu
Jonathan Lemalu © Sussie Ahlburg
Ashley Riches
Ashley Riches © Debbie Scanlan
Britten Sinfonia
Britten Sinfonia © Alex Beer / Cubiq Design
Britten Sinfonia Voices
Britten Sinfonia Voices © Thomas Skovsende
  • Doors open 19:00

  • Start 20:00

  • End ca. 21:30

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

Subscription

Elbphilharmonie Abo / Subscription 2

Series

Operas, Oratorios and Choirs

Festival

Lux aeterna

Promoter: HamburgMusik

Gefördert durch die Stiftung Elbphilharmonie

During your visit

The Music of Tomorrow

Artist talks, rehearsal and concert visits for school pupils

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Elbphilharmonie Plaza

A public viewing platform on the 8th floor of the Elbphilharmonie

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Food and Drink

Before the concert and in the interval

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Coughing, clapping, chatting

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