Benjamin Britten: Hymn to St Cecilia

Benjamin Britten 1913-1976

A very special performance of Britten's works conducted by Sir Philip Ledger.

Sir Philip Ledger studied Music at King's College Cambridge; he was later Director of Music there from 1974-82. During this time he was also conductor of the Cambridge University Musical Society.

As an Artistic Director of the Aldeburgh Festival from 1968 until 1988 Sir Philip was involved in a number of performances of Britten's works. He has accompanied some of Britain's leading singers: including Robert Tear and John Shirley Quirk. Retiring recently after 20 years as Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Sir Philip's work in Music has been acknowledged with honorary Doctorates conferred by four Universities.

Sir Philip remains active in performance, as well as Chairman of the English Chamber Orchestra Charitable Trust, Chairman of the Music Advisory Board for the Caird Awards and serving on the Boards of the Cheltenham Arts Festivals and of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Download programme notes for this performance (Microsoft Word document, 31 Kb)
Read The Dominion Post's review of this performance (JPEG image, 178 Kb)
Read The Capital Times's review of this performance (JPEG image, 186 Kb)
Read Concert FM's Upbeat! review of this performance (reviewed by Peter Mechen, Microsoft Word document, 31 Kb)

This performance was recorded for future broadcast by Concert FM

Soloists

Sings Harry Vocal Ensemble

soprano Charlotte Carman* Nicola Hooper*
alto Megan Hurnard* Jessica Wells*
tenor Alastair Carey Christopher Leach
bass Craig Beardsworth Simon Baskerville

* also in Schubert female quartet

Mezzo soprano Madeleine Pierard
Countertenor Geoffery Coker
Tenor Alastair Carey
Baritone Craig Beardsworth

Rehearsal repetiteur Catherine Norton

Programme

Five Flower Songs: Benjamin Britten 1913-1976

i. To Daffodils
ii. The Succession of the Four Sweet Months
iii. Marsh Flowers
iv. The Evening Primrose
v. The Ballad of Green Broom

Ständchen: Franz Schubert 1797-1828

Canticle IV: Journey of the Magi: Benjamin Britten

Interval

Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac: Benjamin Britten

Gott ist mein hirt: Franz Schubert

Hymn to St Cecilia: Benjamin Britten

7.30pm, Sunday 9 March 2003
Adam Room, School of Music,
Victoria University of Wellington

$15 / $10 / $5

conducted by Sir Philip Ledger
produced by Geoffrey Coker
directed by Alastair Carey

Sir Philip talks about his friendship with Britten with members of The Tudor Consort

Back home