Concerts in Norwich
“An inspirational orchestra.� The Guardian
20th Anniversary
Design: carly.merrydew@gmail.com
Britten Sinfonia 13 Sturton Street Cambridge CB1 2SN Telephone: +44 (0)1223 300795 Fax: +44 (0)1223 302092 Email: info@brittensinfonia.com www.brittensinfonia.com Chief Executive: David Butcher Chairman: Stephen Bourne Registered Charity No. 291245
All details correct at time of print, however, Britten Sinfonia reserves the right to substitute repertoire and artists as necessary.
International Partner
Book tickets: www.brittensinfonia.com | 01603 630000 | Norwich Theatre Royal
Photos on this page: Harry Rankin Š
Sarah O’Flynn, flute
Stephen Williams, double bass
Clare Finnimore, viola
Tom Rainer, trumpet
Miranda Dale, violin
Thomas Gould, leader
Harry Rankin ©
BRITTEN SINFONIA Founded 20 years ago and resident in Norwich since 2002, Britten Sinfonia has become one of the world’s most celebrated and pioneering ensembles. The orchestra is acclaimed for its virtuoso musicianship, and an inspired approach to concert programming which makes bold, intelligent connections across 400 years of repertoire. Britten Sinfonia breaks the mould by not having a principal conductor or director, instead choosing to collaborate with some of the finest international artists from across the musical spectrum, resulting in performances of rare insight and energy. Join us and enjoy the Britten Sinfonia experience.
musicianship “Virtuoso and a gloriously imaginative choice of repertoire, soloists and conductors.
”
The Times
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BRITTEN SINFONIA 20TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT Tuesday 23 October 2012 Norwich Theatre Royal – 7.30pm Pekka Kuusisto violin/director Thomas Gould violin/director Jacqueline Shave violin/director Caroline Dearnley cello Nicholas Daniel oboe Britten Sinfonia Academy Alissa Firsova Birthday commission (World première tour) Sibelius Rakastava Bach Concerto for Oboe and Violin James MacMillan Birthday commission (World première tour) Tippett Fantasia Concertante on a theme of Corelli Prokofiev Symphony No.1 ‘Classical’
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Quirky, imaginative, and quintessentially Britten Sinfonia, this 20th birthday concert showcases our musicians and close collaborator Pekka Kuusisto, as well as the orchestra’s collective sound. The repertoire is drawn from some of our favourite projects, and also features two specially-commissioned premières: a new work by James MacMillan, and a piece by rising composer Alissa Firsova for our Academy of talented young musicians from the East of England. Don’t miss this celebration of Britten Sinfonia, present and future. In conversation – 6.30pm A special 20th birthday pre-concert talk £26, £23, £20, £13, £6.50
Harry Rankin © Pekka Kuusisto - Marija Tammi ©
Delight not only in the “performers’ skills but in
exciting programmes given with rare quality.
”
Eastern Daily Press
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ANGELA HEWITT directs BEETHOVEN Tuesday 8 January 2013 Norwich Theatre Royal – 7.30pm
Acknowledged as one of the finest pianists of her generation, Angela Hewitt makes an eagerly awaited return to Norwich following her 2011 performance of Mozart and Bach. In this concert she performs two of Beethoven’s famed piano concertos: his youthful second, and the intimate and serene fourth. Alongside each concerto, Britten Sinfonia leader Thomas Gould directs Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll and Sibelius’ ethereal Scene with Cranes. Early booking for this concert is advised.
Angela Hewitt piano/director Thomas Gould violin/director Wagner Siegfried Idyll Beethoven Piano Concerto No.2 Sibelius Scene with Cranes Beethoven Piano Concerto No.4
In Conversation – 6.30pm Free pre-concert talk with Angela Hewitt £26, £23, £20, £13, £6.50
want the sheer “joyIf you of human creation and recreation, then go to a piano recital by Angela Hewitt.
”
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Angela Hewitt - Peter Hundert ©
The Times
Alina Ibragimova - Sussie Ahlburg ©
BALTIC NIGHts Sunday 3 March 2013 Norwich Theatre Royal – 7.30pm Alina Ibragimova violin/director Jacqueline Shave violin/director Britten Sinfonia Voices Perotin Viderunt omnes Bach Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor E¯riks Es˘envalds New work (World première tour) Bach Motet - Komm, Jesu, komm Pe¯teris Vasks Violin Concerto ‘Distant Light’
Ibragimova “ positively oozes
music. Ever wondered why great musicians are called ‘artists’? Here’s the proof.
”
The Independent
Exceptionally talented violinist Alina Ibragimova shows her artistry and versatility performing two contrasting concertos: Pe¯teris Vasks’ contemporary masterpiece Distant Light, and one of only two surviving solo violin concertos by Bach. Britten Sinfonia’s professional choir intersperses haunting music from Perotin and Bach, and E¯riks Es˘envalds brings the programme’s themes together in a new commission for strings and voices directed by leader Jacqueline Shave. In Conversation – 6.30pm Free pre-concert talk with E¯riks Es˘envalds £26, £23, £20, £13, £6.50
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Harry Rankin ©
britten sinfonia at lunch
Subscribe
to Britten Sinfonia’s evening concerts and pay just £5 for At Lunch tickets. See page 11 for details The Assembly House, Noverre Suite, Norwich – 1pm Our award-winning lunchtime concerts feature Britten Sinfonia principal musicians performing major works from the chamber repertoire. This season, as we move into Benjamin Britten’s centenary year our At Lunch concerts explore Britten’s chamber music alongside his influences and contemporaries. Drawing inspiration from the programmes will be new commissions from emerging and established composers. £8, £3 (under 18s and students)
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At Lunch 1 Friday 30 November 2012
At Lunch 3 Friday 8 February 2013
Jacqueline Shave violin Miranda Dale violin Clare Finnimore viola Caroline Dearnley cello Stephen Williams double bass Emer McDonough flute Nicholas Daniel oboe Joy Farrall clarinet Sarah Burnett bassoon Stephen Bell horn
Thomas Gould violin Miranda Dale violin Clare Finnimore viola Caroline Dearnley cello Huw Watkins piano
Britten Phantasy Quartet Op.2 Lutoslawski Dance Preludes Dobrinka Tabakova New work (World première tour)* Britten Sinfonietta Op.1
At Lunch 2 Friday 25 January 2013 Mark Padmore tenor Stephen Bell horn Huw Watkins piano Richard Rodney Bennett Tom O’Bedlam’s Song Poulenc Elégie (in memory of Dennis Brain) Gerald Barry New work (World première tour)* Walton Three Songs (words Edith Sitwell) Britten The Heart of the Matter
Copland Vitebsk Shostakovich Two Pieces for String Quartet (Elegy & Polka) Britten Reflection Jay Greenberg New work (World première tour)* Britten Three Divertimenti
At Lunch 4 Friday 5 April 2013 Jacqueline Shave violin Miranda Dale violin Clare Finnimore viola Caroline Dearnley cello Nicholas Daniel oboe Lucy Wakeford harp Britten Six Metamorphoses after Ovid Britten Tema ‘Sacher’ Bridge Two Old English Songs Opus 2013 composition winner New work (World première tour)* Britten Suite for Harp Bridge Sir Roger de Coverley
*Co-commissioned by Britten Sinfonia and Wigmore Hall
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Harry Rankin ©
play your part
Few orchestras can match Britten Sinfonia for the sheer breadth of its programming. However, public funding and ticket sales only cover a small part of the orchestra’s costs. Britten Sinfonia relies on the generosity of individuals who support Britten Sinfonia’s vision. You can help create our future. Here’s how. Join our Friends (£50 - £150) The support of our Friends is one of the building blocks of our success. In return, we give you priority booking, acknowledgement in our concert programmes, and invitations to exclusive events. Become a Chair Partner (£500 - £1,000) Get closer to Britten Sinfonia by supporting one of our musicians. In return, we give you priority booking, a close relationship with your chosen player, access to rehearsals, and acknowledgement in our concert programmes.
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Sinfonia Circle (£2,500+) Help Britten Sinfonia reach new artistic heights by supporting projects that specifically interest you; from commissioning music, sponsoring international tours, or enabling Creative Learning initiatives. For more information contact our Development team on 01223 300 795, or email info@brittensinfonia.com
booking Information Tickets Please see individual concerts for ticket prices
Season Subscription Offer Book all three evening concerts at the same time and save 20% (excl £13 and £6.50 tickets)
Season subscribers also enjoy an annual reception and £5 tickets for Britten Sinfonia At Lunch concerts.
Evening Concert Concessions • Under 18s and students - all tickets £5 (excl £6.50 seats, students must show valid NUS card) • Go4Less - all tickets £5 (excl £6.50 seats, must show valid card) • Jobseekers - all tickets £5 (excl £6.50 seats, must show valid ID) • Top price seats are half price for those registered blind or partially sighted and one companion. Certain seats across all price bands are removable to accommodate wheelchairs - these tickets are half price for the wheelchair user and one companion (excl lowest price). If your choice of seat is restricted by access requirements, or you require a carer to accompany you, let the Box Office know and they will offer you and your companion a discount.
How to book • In person Norwich Theatre Royal, Theatre Street, NR2 1RL • By phone 01603 630000 • Online www.brittensinfonia.com (Box Office open 9.30am until 8pm, Monday to Saturday (6pm if no evening performance). 5.30pm until 8pm Sunday) Tickets can be posted at a cost of £1 or collected in person. Refunds Britten Sinfonia operates a no refunds policy Schools & Families We welcome school groups and families to all our concerts. For discounted tickets, schools’ programme notes and additional benefits please contact our Creative Learning team Venue Information • Norwich Theatre Royal Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL Norwich Theatre Royal is fully accessible and there are hearing loops • The Assembly House Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ Assembly House is fully accessible
Please note only one concession applies per customer.
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@brittensinfonia www.brittensinfonia.com