Talk on Benjamin Britten

A rescheduled Woodbridge Society talk on Benjamin Britten will now take place on February 1st.

Benjamin Britten, the composer with strong roots in East Suffolk, once said he wanted music to be “useful”.

This is also the aim of Britten Pears Arts, the charity that emerged from the Aldeburgh Festival, which he and his partner the singer Peter Pears founded in 1948. Its work, and the legacy Britten and Pears left behind them, is the subject of a rescheduled lecture put on by The Woodbridge Society.

Roger Wright CBE, the current chief executive of Britten Pears Arts and a former Controller of BBC3 and The Proms, was due to address The Woodbridge Society in October but the talk had to be postponed.

It will now take place at the start of February, and Mr Wright will look at the charity’s work in continuing the duo’s legacy to develop musical talent by offering learning and training in music.

The talk is entitled “Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears – a living heritage and a vision for the future.”

Mr Wright said, “We use music to transform people’s lives, to bring communities together and enhance daily life.”

Britten Pears Arts is based, appropriately enough, at The Red House, Aldeburgh, which the two moved into in 1957. Mr Wright’s talk will look at how his organisation allows students to experience world-class performances and work with freelance musicians and artists to improve their skills.

“In many ways we are one of a kind.” Mr Wright said. “We are one of only a very few musical organisations worldwide with such a rich heritage and history.”

The talk will now be at Quay Church, Quay Street, Woodbridge on Wednesday February 1st at 7.30 pm. Free to Woodbridge Society members, £5 entry for non-members.

Contact Martin Waller, publicity officer, The Woodbridge Society. 01394 246184/07768 701199. Pictures of Roger Wright are available at the charity’s website, www.brittenpearsarts.org.