Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) was an English composer, conductor, and pianist, widely regarded as the most significant British composer of the 20th century. His operas - above all Peter Grimes (1945), Billy Budd (1951), and The Turn of the Screw (1954) - established a new English-language operatic tradition, while the War Requiem (1962), written for the consecration of Coventry Cathedral, became one of the great choral works of the century. In 1948 he co-founded the Aldeburgh Festival, which continues to this day as one of Europe's leading music festivals.
The 2026 Aldeburgh Festival (12-28 June) marks the 50th anniversary of Britten's death with a programme centred on Snape Maltings, including six premieres and a newly elevated Festival Academy for young artists.
Britten's Billy Budd returns to Glyndebourne Festival (28 June - 30 July 2026) in Michael Grandage's acclaimed 2010 production, conducted by Nicholas Carter with Allan Clayton as Captain Vere.
Britten's Owen Wingrave received a new staging at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in February 2026.
Gramophone's 2022 comparative review of fourteen War Requiem recordings confirmed Britten's own 1963 Decca recording as the benchmark, calling it incomparable.
A 2024 BBC comparative review of twelve War Requiem recordings again placed Britten's own 1963 recording as the clear first choice.
