Residencies Projects Commissions Learning Recordings

20th AnniversAry

“The playing was marked by the kind of luminous and

infectious beauty that only comes from a true marriage

of mastery and love.”The Guardian

@brittensinfonia britten.sinfoniabrittensinfonia.com

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Welcome | 1

WeLCOMe

I am delighted to welcome you to Britten Sinfonia’s 2012-13 season which is remarkable in two ways:as well as celebrating our 20th birthday, weare also beginning a partnership as AssociateEnsemble at one of the world’s finest arts centres,London’s Barbican. I have had the extraordinary privilege of being involved with Britten Sinfonia since its inceptionin 1992. The orchestra has received generous praise over the years for many reasons, but the one constant which has driven forward its continued success and development, has been the quality of its players who represent the cream of Britain’s finest chamber musicians and soloists. It is their commitment and inspiration which have brought the orchestra to where it is today. Pierre Boulez’s ‘take’ on the modern orchestra as “an ensemble of possibilities” which has influenced the changing role of the modern orchestra, has always been at the forefront of my mind when shaping our own artistic collaborations and programmes. But it would have been impossible to realise this vision without the passionate support and inspiration of the players themselves. I hope you will enjoy reading about some of Britten Sinfonia’s memorable highlights from the past 20 years. But while this is a time to celebrate it is alsoa time to look ahead, and our new partnership with the Barbican, along with our continuing residenciesin Brighton, Cambridge and Norwich, and our chamber music association with Wigmore Hall, offer us an enviable platform from which to launch our musical adventures of the future.

We are thrilled to welcome back, for our birthday gala concert, a stellar cast of artists and composers who have been our loyal friends and collaborators over the past 20 years. And for our celebrations in Cambridge and Norwich, we are also delighted to be showcasing the newly-formed Britten Sinfonia Academy, an ensemble of 11-18 year old musicians which it has long been our ambition to create, and which will have an important role to play in the orchestra’s future. Who knows, maybe some ofthem will be part of the main orchestra duringour 30th anniversary festivities. To our many partners and supporters in Brighton, Cambridge, Norwich and London, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you. In particular we would like to thank Arts Council England whose unfailing support since 1992 has enabled us to be bold and pioneering, both artistically and commercially. Finally and most importantly, on behalf of the staff and musicians of Britten Sinfonia, I would like to say a huge thank you to our audiences for their unstinting enthusiasm and loyalty. It is you whohave made our enterprise and endeavour so fulfilling and worthwhile over the past 20 years, and it is you, we hope, who will carry us forward as we pioneer into the next 20.

David ButcherChief Executive, Britten Sinfonia

britten.sinfonia

“Britten Sinfonia reminds me of why I became a musician in the first place: there are

few ensembles as open-minded, as energetic and, frankly, as good as this one.”

Huw Watkins, piano

Sat 6 Oct Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 2pm & 4pm www.brittensinfonia.com Mon 22 Oct Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 7.30pm www.brittensinfonia.comTue 23 Oct Norwich – Theatre Royal 7.30pm www.brittensinfonia.com

Sat 27 Oct London – Barbican Hall 7.30pm www.barbican.org.uk

Wed 31 Oct London – Barbican Hall 7.30pm www.barbican.org.uk

Sat 3 Nov London – Barbican Hall 2pm & 7pm www.barbican.org.uk

Sun 11 Nov Eindhoven – Muziekgebouw Frits Philips 2pm www.muziekcentrum.nlSun 11 Nov Rotterdam – De Doelen 9pm www.dedoelen.nl

Mon 19 Nov Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 7.30pm www.brittensinfonia.comThu 22 Nov London – Wigmore Hall 7.30pm www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

Fri 30 Nov Norwich – Assembly House 1pm www.brittensinfonia.comTue 4 Dec Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 1pm www.brittensinfonia.comWed 5 Dec London – Wigmore Hall 1pm www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

Fri 14 Dec London – Barbican Hall 8pm www.barbican.org.uk

2 | Diary

2012Mr Big Family Concert

Britten Sinfonia 20th Birthday

Britten Sinfonia 20th Birthday Gala Launch

Vivaldi Recomposed / Max Richter

Where the Wild Things Are

Nico Muhly Percussion Concerto

Alice Coote sings Phaedra

At Lunch 1

Philip Glass / Koyaanisqatsi

DiAryCambridge Norwich London Brighton

Eindhoven Rotterdam BirminghamBradford upon Avon Mexico Antwerp

Brugge Chipping Campden

“The UK’s most consistently dynamic chamber ensemble.”

The New Statesman

Diary | 3

2013Tue 8 Jan Norwich – Theatre Royal 7.30pm www.brittensinfonia.comFri 11 Jan Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 7.30pm www.brittensinfonia.comSun 13 Jan Birmingham – Town Hall 5.30pm www.thsh.co.ukWed 16 Jan London – Barbican Hall 7.30pm www.barbican.org.uk

Sun 20 Jan Brighton – Corn Exchange 11am www.brightondome.orgTue 22 Jan Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 1pm www.brittensinfonia.comWed 23 Jan London – Wigmore Hall 1pm www.wigmore-hall.org.ukFri 25 Jan Norwich – Assembly House 1pm www.brittensinfonia.com

Fri 8 Feb Norwich – Assembly House 1pm www.brittensinfonia.comSat 9 Feb Brighton – Corn Exchange 1pm www.brightondome.orgTue 12 Feb Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 1pm www.brittensinfonia.comWed 13 Feb London – Wigmore Hall 1pm www.wigmore-hall.org.uk

Sat 16 Feb Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 10.30am – 5pm www.brittensinfonia.com

Mon 25 Feb Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 7.30pm www.brittensinfonia.comWed 27 Feb London – Barbican Hall 7.30pm www.barbican.org.ukSat 3 Mar Norwich – Theatre Royal 7.30pm www.brittensinfonia.com

Thu 14 Mar Bradford upon Avon – Wiltshire Music Centre 7.30pm www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk18 – 29 Mar Tour of Mexico various www.brittensinfonia.com

Wed 3 Apr London – Wigmore Hall 1pm www.wigmore-hall.org.ukFri 5 Apr Norwich – Assembly House 1pm www.brittensinfonia.comTue 9 Apr Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 1pm www.brittensinfonia.com

Sat 4 May London – Barbican Hall 7.30pm www.barbican.org.uk

Wed 8 May Chipping Campden – St James’ Church 7.30pm www.camdenmusicfestival.co.uk

Sat 11 May London – Barbican Hall 7.30pm www.barbican.org.uk

Fri 24 May Cambridge – West Road Concert Hall 7.30pm www.brittensinfonia.comThurs 30 May Antwerp – De Singel 8pm www.desingel.beSat 1 Jun Brugge – Concertgebouw 8pm www.concertgebouw.beSat 2 Jun Eindhoven – Muziekgebouw Frits Philips 3.30pm www.muziekcentrum.nl

Angela Hewitt directs Beethoven

At Lunch 2

At Lunch 3

Composers Workshop

Baltic Nights

Kraggerud plays Four Seasons

At Lunch 4

Ian Bostridge

Chipping Campden Music Festival

Nico Muhly New York Festival

Adams and Muhly

4 | Residencies & Associations

As a touring orchestra we have a number ofplaces we call home. Our backbone of residencies stretches through the east of England, fromNorwich to Brighton via Cambridge (where weare the University’s Orchestra-in-Association)and London. Over the past 20 years Britten Sinfonia has performed in some inspiring venues, and we are fortunate to have a committed, adventurous audience who have shared our journey. Our most recent association is our biggest yet. We are delighted to have taken our placeas an Associate Ensemble at the Barbican.

resiDenCies &AssOCiAtiOns

Barbican Brighton CambridgeNorwich Wigmore Hall

The Barbican’s pioneering arts programmereflects our own artistic outlook. This season alone, we bounce from projects such as Netia Jones’ stunning staging of Oliver Knussen’s operas based on the late Maurice Sendak’s books, to the premiere of new Schubert arrangements by Detlev Glanert, sung by acclaimed tenor Ian Bostridge. This range and flexibility reflects the scale of ambition wecan explore together at the Barbican.

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“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we

welcome Britten Sinfonia to the Barbican’s family of

ensembles. Britten Sinfonia stands for excellence and

diversity and these shared goals make this a partnership

of limitless possibilities.I am delighted that this new

venture will start with the orchestra’s 20th birthday

celebrations; this promises to be an eclectic evening

featuring many of thestrong relationships the

orchestra has forged with some of the world’s

most exciting artists.We are also delighted that Britten Sinfonia will work

in partnership with theBarbican on some of our own

major presentations this season and beyond.”

Angela DixonHead of Music, Barbican

020 7638 8891Box office

Reduced booking fee onlinew

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.barbican.org.uk

Associate Ensemble

6 | Projects & Collaborations

Britten Sinfonia 20th Birthday Concerts

The essence of Britten Sinfonia’s programmingis collaboration and intelligent musical choices.We don’t have a principal conductor or music director. We’re not defined by a particular musical period, nor a specific style. Our focus is on the musicians and their willingness to experiment,not only with artists and repertoire, but across genres and media. This brings enormous creative freedom. Projects become an artistic journey for

27 October 2012Barbican – 7.30pm

Kuljit Bhamra tablaThomas Gould violin/directorTom Herbert bassAlina Ibragimova violinPekka Kuusisto violin/directorJoanna MacGregor piano/directorNico Muhly pianoMark Padmore tenorSeb Rochford drumsJacqueline Shave violin/directorAndy Sheppard saxophonesBritten Sinfonia VoicesEamonn Dougan chorus director

Purcell Hear my PrayerNico Muhly Looking Forward (World première)Bach Concerto for Two Violins in D minorBritten Les IlluminationsJames MacMillan One (London première)Prokofiev Symphony No.1 ‘Classical’Bach Keyboard Concerto No.5 in F minorMoondog arr. Joanna MacGregor Sidewalk Dances

A co-production with the Barbican

22 & 23 October 2012Cambridge | Norwich – 7.30pm

Pekka Kuusisto violin/directorThomas Gould violin/directorJacqueline Shave violin/directorCaroline Dearnley celloNicholas Daniel oboeBritten Sinfonia Academy

Alissa Firsova Gallo Variations (World première tour)Sibelius RakastavaBach Concerto for Oboe and ViolinJames MacMillan One (World première tour)Tippett Fantasia Concertante on a theme of CorelliProkofiev Symphony No.1 ‘Classical’

PrOjeCts & COLLAbOrAtiOns

all involved, and because Britten Sinfonia players are chamber musicians and soloists at heart, the quality and energy is palpable when they come together. Our vision is to inspire the artists and musicians we collaborate with so they, in turn,can inspire our audiences.

A selection from 2012-13

Projects & Collaborations | 7

Alice Coote sings Phaedra19 & 22 November 2012Cambridge | Wigmore Hall – 7.30pm

Alice Coote mezzo-soprano Jacqueline Shave violin/director

Purcell Rondeau from Abdelazer Suite Purcell arr. Nico Muhly Let the Night Perish (Job’s Curse)Purcell arr. Stokowski Dido’s Lament Tippett A Lament, from Divertimentoon ‘Sellinger’s Round’Handel Selection of arias from Alcina Britten Prelude and FuguePurcell ed. Britten Chacony in G minorTippett Little Music Britten Phaedra

Recorded at Wigmore Hall for live broadcast by

Where the Wild Things Are3 November 2012Barbican – 2pm & 7pm

Claire BoothSusan BickleyRebecca BottoneLucy SchauferChristopher GillettJonathan GunthorpeGraeme BroadbentGraeme DanbyRyan Wigglesworth conductorNetia Jones director

Oliver Knussen Where The Wild Things AreOliver Knussen Higglety Pigglety Pop!

“The reasons for Britten Sinfonia’s incremental

rise in the past 20 years are various, but among

them are a commitment to interesting

programmes and the assiduous building of

relationships.”Financial Times

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Philip Glass Koyaanisqatsi14 December 2012Barbican – 8pm

Philip Glass EnsembleMichael Riesman conductor

Philip Glass Koyaanisqatsi(Live film screening)

Angela Hewitt directs Beethoven 8 – 16 January 2013Norwich | Cambridge | Barbican – 7.30pm

Angela Hewitt piano/directorThomas Gould violin/director

Wagner Siegfried IdyllBeethoven Piano Concerto No.2 Sibelius Scene with CranesBeethoven Piano Concerto No.4

At Lunch 130 November – 5 December 2012Norwich | Cambridge | Wigmore Hall – 1pm

Jacqueline Shave, Miranda Dale violinsClare Finnimore violaCaroline Dearnley celloStephen Williams double bassEmer McDonough fluteNicholas Daniel oboeJoy Farrall clarinetSarah Burnett bassoonStephen Bell horn

Britten Phantasy Quartet Op.2 Lutoslawski Dance Preludes Dobrinka Tabakova New Work(World première tour) Britten Sinfonietta Op.1

Recorded in Cambridgefor future broadcast by

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“I’ve been very lucky to work with Britten

Sinfonia now for many years in all kinds of

diverse and exciting projects. The flexibility

and creativity they have in approaching

music means that their programmes are always

adventurous and their performances full of life

and personality.”Alina Ibragimova

Projects & Collaborations | 9

At Lunch 220 – 25 January 2013 Brighton | Cambridge | Wigmore Hall | Norwich – 1pm

Mark Padmore tenorCaroline Dearnley celloRichard Watkins hornHuw Watkins piano

Richard Rodney Bennett Tom O’Bedlam’s SongPoulenc Elégie (in memory of Dennis Brain)Gerald Barry Jabberwocky(World première tour)Walton Three Songs (words Edith Sitwell)Britten The Heart of the Matter

Recorded in Cambridgefor future broadcast by

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Baltic Nights 25 February – 3 March 2013 Cambridge | Barbican | Norwich – 7.30pm

Alina Ibragimova violin/directorJacqueline Shave violin/directorBritten Sinfonia Voices

Perotin Viderunt omnesBach Violin Concerto No.1 in A minorEriks Esenvalds New Work(World première tour)Bach Motet - Komm, Jesu, kommPeteris Vasks Violin Concerto ‘Distant Light’

At Lunch 38 – 13 February 2013Norwich | Brighton | Cambridge | Wigmore Hall – 1pm

Thomas Gould, Miranda Dale violinsClare Finnimore violaCaroline Dearnley celloAlasdair Beatson piano

Copland Vitebsk Shostakovich Two Pieces for String Quartet(Elegy & Polka)Britten Reflection Jay Greenberg New Work (World première tour) Britten Three Divertimenti

Recorded in Cambridgefor future broadcast by

10 | Projects & Collaborations

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At Lunch 43 – 9 April 2013Wigmore Hall | Norwich | Cambridge – 1pm

Jacqueline Shave, Miranda Dale violinsClare Finnimore violaCaroline Dearnley celloNicholas Daniel oboeLucy 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

Recorded in Cambridgefor future broadcast by

Bostridge sings Schubert 4 May 2013Barbican – 7.30pm

Ian Bostridge tenorJacqueline Shave violin/director

Mahler Adagietto from Symphony No.5Henze L’heure bleue Schubert arr. Detlev GlanertDas Lied im Grünen (London première)Viola (World première)Waldesnacht (World première)Schubert Notturno in E flat for Piano TrioBritten Nocturne

Projects & Collaborations | 11

ten tO reMeMber Projects & Collaborations 1993 Jonathan Miller’s production of Ariadne auf Naxos provides Britten Sinfonia’s first critical success1994 Britten Sinfonia celebrates the 50th anniversary of Tippett’s Child of our Time at London’s Adelphi Theatre1998 Landmark Frank Zappa and the Fathers of Invention series sells-out in Cambridge 2001 Ten date tour with Joanna MacGregor features in a South Bank Show profile for LWT2004 Britten Sinfonia and Polyphony perform and record James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words2006 Imogen Cooper’s four-year Beethoven piano concerto cycle cements the non-conductor direction of Britten Sinfonia2008 International acclaim for collaboration with the Michael Clark Company (Stravinsky Project)2009 Wellies and violins - Britten Sinfonia becomes the first orchestra to perform at Latitude Festival 2011 A 70-strong Britten Sinfonia performs Rufus Wainwright’s Prima Donna at Royal Opera House2011 Britten Sinfonia Voices make their debut with Berlioz’s L’enfance du Christ conducted by Sir Mark Elder

“This band can do anything and make it look effortlessly fun.”

The Independent

Adams and Muhly24 May – 2nd June 2013 Cambridge | Antwerp | Brugge | Eindhoven

Colin Currie percussionWinner of 2012 TROMP InternationalPercussion CompetitionThomas Gould violinClark Rundell conductor

John Adams Shaker LoopsJohn Adams Chamber SymphonyNico Muhly Seeing is BelievingNico Muhly Double Percussion Concerto(UK première tour)

12 | International Touring

Being part of a touring orchestra like Britten Sinfonia means I get to perform all over the UK, which I love, but I will always jump at the chance to tour internationally. A tour to Poznan stands out for me. Imagine performing an outdoor concert in Poland, in December! Four of us played a Piazzolla Season each interspersed with the hugely inspirational Pekka Kuusisto playing the Vivaldi Seasons. We travelled there, eco-style, by bus and played inside the Greenpeace Globe. It was wacky, but it was brilliant. That’s what I love about Britten Sinfonia. We can take risks and experiment. We’re not afraid of anything. In 2013 we’re heading back to Mexico with Henning

internAtiOnALtOuring

Kraggerud; I can’t wait. We get big audiences in Mexico and they’re so enthusiastic, we’ve been known to salsa on the roof of the university before concerts with the local orchestra. Every country, and every venue has its own energy and, as a musician, you respond to that. All the time we’re on tour we’re absorbing information. We meet new people, discover new music and get inspired by new ideas. We’re introduced to people as friends then, years later, find ourselves collaborating with them. You never know what will come out of a tour, but something always does.

Miranda Dale, Principal Second Violin

“This acclaimed ensemble finally made

its American debut at Lincoln Center - it was

worth the wait.”New York Times, Concentric Paths tour

with Thomas Adès, 2012

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TROMP International Percussion Competition 11 November 2012Eindhoven | Rotterdam

Colin Currie percussionThomas Gould violinBaz Wiegers conductor

Nico Muhly Double Percussion Concerto (World première tour)Joey Roukens Percussion Concerto

Tour of Mexico 18 – 29 March 2013 Henning Kraggerud violin/director

Programme to include: Vivaldi Four Seasons

Adams and Muhly 30 May – 2 June 2013 Antwerp | Brugge | Eindhoven

Colin Currie percussionWinner of 2012 TROMP InternationalPercussion CompetitionThomas Gould violinClark Rundell conductor

John Adams Shaker LoopsJohn Adams Chamber SymphonyNico Muhly Seeing is BelievingNico Muhly Double Percussion Concerto

eight tO reMeMber International Touring 1994 Britten Sinfonia makes international debut at Wratislava Cantans Festival in Poland1999 First tour to Germany includes performances at Munich’s Gasteig and Frankfurt’s Alte Oper2003 Greece debut with Django Bates sets music by John Zorn against John Adams and John Woolrich2004 Collaboration with Nitin Sawhney takes in Belgium and Britten Sinfonia’s debut at Royal Festival Hall2007 Joanna MacGregor joins Britten Sinfonia for extensive tour through Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay2010 Britten Sinfonia joins Brad Mehldau and his trio in Germany for a live tour of his album Highway Rider 2010 14 date tour of UK and Europe with Mark Padmore and Pekka Kuusisto premièring Nico Muhly’s Impossible Things2012 Acclaimed USA debut at the Lincoln Centre, New York with Thomas Adès conducting

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14 | Twenty years of Britten Sinfonia

tWenty yeArs Of

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2009 Greenpeace concert in the Earth Dome, Poznan

1999 Huw Watkins and Nicholas Cleobury

2009 LatitudeMiranda Dale

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1994 Britten Sinfonia with Sir Michael Tippett,50 year anniversary of A Child of our Time

“With hand-picked guest

soloists, innovative programming and

enthusiastic audiences every Britten Sinfonia

project is like an exciting adventure

with friends.”Miranda Dale, violin

Twenty years of Britten Sinfonia | 15

“20 years ago when Britten Sinfonia was created I started

playing the most amazing music with my friends. Today I am still with friends playing

the most amazing music. What a privilege.”

Joy Farrall, clarinet

Britten Sinfonia – the early years

2007 Jacqueline Shave and David Butcher collecting Britten Sinfonia’s RPS Award for Chamber Music

SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER AT 7.30PMQUEEN ELIZABETH HALL, LONDONPart of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3

TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER AT 7.30PMTOWN HALL, BIRMINGHAM

Gil Goldstein music directorLuciana Souza vocalsRomero Lubambo guitar Alex Acuña percussionBritten Sinfonia

2006 Imogen Cooper with the Britten Sinfonia taxi

2006 Moondog recording session with Joanna MacGregor and Seb Rochford

“Inspiration, perspiration (!),

precision and timing, commitment, friends, discoveries, and every

era of music played stylistically well.

These things make my Britten Sinfonia.”

Nicholas Daniel, oboe

16 | Commissioning

Working with the composers of today is oneof our inspirations. In the 20 years since Britten Sinfonia was established we’ve commissioned or premiered over 100 works. New music and living composers are at the core of our programmes – mixing the established with the young andbuilding connections between repertoire and genres. Our 2012-13 season alone features eightnew commissions, across all corners of the musical world. Many are co-commissioned with Wigmore Hall as part of our award-winning lunchtime chamber series, and most receive multiple performances and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3.

Opus 2013In 2012, for the first time, we issued an open call for submissions offering unpublished composers the chance to receive a professional commission for our At Lunch series. Over 200 applications were received and following shortlisting and a workshop one will be chosen to write a piece for chamber ensemble.Première performances: At Lunch 4✱

03 – 09 April 2013London | Norwich | Cambridge

Alissa FirsovaAlissa Firsova won the BBC Proms YoungComposer Competition at the age of 14 and is currently completing postgraduate conductingstudies at the Royal Academy of Music. She willwrite a new work for Britten Sinfonia Academy.Première performances:Britten Sinfonia 20th Birthday✚

22 - 27 October 2012Cambridge | Norwich | London

Dobrinka TabakovaIdiosyncratic rhythms, memorable melodies and distinct orchestration form Dobrinka Tabakova’s musical language. An award-winning youngBritish/Bulgarian composer, will write a newwork for ensemble for our 2012-13 At Lunch series.Première performances: At Lunch 1✶30 November – 5 December 2012Norwich | Cambridge | London

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COMMissiOningA selection from 2012-13

Commissioning | 17

Gerald Barry Gerald Barry was born in Ireland in 1952 and studied composition with Stockhausen and Kagel. His radical ensemble works ‘__________’ and ‘Ø’ first brought him acclaim in 1979. He will write a new work for tenor Mark Padmore,horn and piano for our 2012-13 At Lunch series.Première performances: At Lunch 2✶20 – 25 January 2013Brighton | Cambridge | London | Norwich

Eriks EsenvaldsEriks Esenvalds is one of a new generationof composers from Latvia. His oratorio Passionand Resurrection was r ecorded in 2010 byBritten Sinfonia and Polyphony for Hyperion.Eriks Esenvalds will write a new work for strings and voice for our professional vocal ensemble,Britten Sinfonia Voices.Première performances: Baltic Nights25 February – 03 March 2013Cambridge | London | Norwich

Jay GreenbergAmerican composer Jay Greenberg was commissioned after winning the annual University of Cambridge Composers Workshop with Britten Sinfonia. A recent music graduate student reading music at Peterhouse, Cambridge, Jay will write a piece for piano quintet for our 2012-13 At Lunch series.Première performances: At Lunch 3✶8 – 13 February 2013Norwich | Brighton | Cambridge | London

James MacMillan and Nico MuhlyIn celebration of Britten Sinfonia’s 20th anniversary James MacMillan and Nico Muhly have generously written special birthday tributes.Première performances:Britten Sinfonia 20th Birthday22 – 27 October 2012Cambridge | Norwich | London

seven tO reMeMber Commissions 1999 David Matthews Symphony No.5 – premiere given at Britten Sinfonia’s BBC Proms debut2001 James MacMillan Parthenogenesis – premieres given in Cambridge and Edinburgh International Festival2005 At Lunch series launches with commissions from John Woolrich, Jason Yarde, Kenneth Hesketh and Joseph Phibbs2009 At Lunch series honoured with Royal Philharmonic Society Chamber Music Award2010 Nico Muhly in residence with Britten Sinfonia presents two new works, including Impossible Things for Mark Padmore and Pekka Kuusisto2010 James MacMillan Oboe Concerto – premiere given in Birmingham with Nicholas Daniel 2012 “A Tenner for a Tenor” invites supporters to turn commissioners by investing in Jonathan Dove’s new work The End

“Congratulations to Britten Sinfonia on your 20th

year. You have become an outstanding ensemble and an important asset to the

national chamber music circuit. Wigmore Hall is very pleased to continue its long

association with Britten Sinfonia, especially in the

commissioning ofnew music.”

John Gilhooly Director, Wigmore Hall ✱Co-commissioned with Wigmore Hall with support

from Arts Council England Escalator programme✚Generously supported by the William Alwyn Foundation✶Co-commissioned with Wigmore Hall

18 | Creative Learning

Whilst our artistic programme reaches to Europe, the Americas and beyond, our Creative Learning programme roots us firmly and proudly in theeast of England. Wherever possible, the programme links in with our concert series’ in Norwich and Cambridge, but our reach also stretches out torural Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. In addition, we are currently developing exciting new relationships in Peterborough. The ethos which we uphold with our work on the concert platform also permeates our Creative Learning programme in that it isdriven by the artistic vision, skills and passionof our players.

Britten Sinfonia Academy, our new youth ensemble, is our latest exciting programme. During 2012-13we will be working with 18 talented secondary school-aged instrumentalists from across the east of England. Working alongside Britten Sinfonia players, these young musicians will be equipped with the skills which make our own musicians special – learning to play without a conductor, developing their skills as chamber musiciansand further cultivating their eagerness anddesire to explore a vast range of music. In thistheir first year, the Academy’s highlights willbe the performances of Alissa Firsova’s new pieceGallo Variations, especially commissioned for the Academy and Britten Sinfonia for our 20th birthday concerts and a weekend residency, culminating in a performance at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge in March 2013.

CreAtiveLeArning

“To me, the point of playing an instrument

is to play in different groups and genres,

and I love to meet new people… It even makes

scale practice seem worthwhile!”

Katy, TromboneBritten Sinfonia Academy

170 children from in and around Wymondham, Norfolkperform their own song cycle inspired by Finzi Dies Natalis

Creative Learning | 19

Opportunities to play in a chamber music environment are fairly rare, so when my teacher suggested that I audition, I knew that this was an opportunity not to miss. I hope that, through the Academy, I will be able to improve my musicianship and become a better ensemble player. I am especially looking forward to meeting and learning from the Britten Sinfonia members; not only do I wish to gain from their musical knowledge, but I hope that the unique enthusiasm of these musicians will influence my approach to playing. I am definitely set on a career in music, however, for now, I am keeping my options open as I am interested in so many different areas within the subject; maybe the experience of being part of the Academy will help me to decide which path to choose!

Joe, Double Bass, Britten Sinfonia Academy

seven tO reMeMber Creative Learning 1992 Britten Sinfonia gives its first ever performance, a family concert in Chelmsford 1993 With a grant from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, Britten Sinfonia appoints its first Education Manager1998 125 children from five local schools take part in creative workshops and concert visits to help celebrate Britten Sinfonia’s first subscription series in Norwich2001- Annual residencies at Horizon Centre 2003 in Cambridge, working with adults with additional needs2003 Creative project in Fenland Pupil Referral Unit and the start of 6 year programme of working with hard to reach and excluded young people2007 Workshops with children in Buenos Aires accompany the orchestra’s first tour to South America 2010 Sinfonia at Work workshops go to Abu Dhabi in partnership with Judge Business School, Cambridge University 2012 Britten Sinfonia Academy is launched2013 Two commissions for At Lunch concert series come from Creative Learning projects - Opus 2013 & Cambridge Composers Workshop

Joe, Double Bass, Britten Sinfonia Academy,and Stephen Williams, Principal Double Bass

Carola, Cello, Britten Sinfonia Academy

20 | Recordings

Just as Britten Sinfonia programming centreson collaborations, so too do our recordings.By the time we reach the studio, the artists and performers will have nurtured the project from conception to concert halls. So, at the point of recording, the pieces are highly-personal, highly-nuanced performances. Our recordings have received Grammy nominations and a Gramophone award. We’ve recorded for major labels including Warners and EMI, and regularly record for Hyperion Records. Britten Sinfonia has also recently

reCOrDings

established a new partnership with Harmonia Mundi. Our new release on the label, featuring tenor Mark Padmore performing Britten andFinzi, received outstanding reviews. Forthcoming releases include Tõnu Kõrvits’ Kreek’s Notebook with the Choir of Royal Holloway for Hyperion, and a further collaboration with Mark Padmore performing works by Warlock, Vaughan Williams and Jonathan Dove for Harmonia Mundi.

“Mark Padmore’s performance of the Serenade for tenor,

horn and strings and the Nocturne are of

the utmost sensitivity, skilfully accompanied by Britten Sinfonia.”

Gramophone

Recordings | 21

“There is no such thing as an ideal Messiah, any more than there is a

single definitive text. This one comes exhilaratingly near to it.”

Sunday Times

siX tO reMeMber Recordings 1995 Debut CD featuring David Pyatt in the Strauss Horn Concertos wins a Gramophone Award1997 Classic FM’s new label features Britten Sinfonia musicians Nicholas Daniel, Joy Farrall and Kate Hill performing Mozart concerti2005 First releases on Hyperion - James MacMillan Seven Last Words from the Cross and Morten Lauridsen Lux Aeterna 2006 Bach meets Moondog project and recording epitomises the art of bringing the right collaborators together 2009 Britten Sinfonia launches own label with two releases: Songs of the Sky and a selection of works by Hindemith2010 Warner Classics & Jazz releases Live in Buenos Aires recorded on tour in South America with Joanna MacGregor

Over 42,500 people came to hear us play last year, with the orchestra visiting ten different countries on three continents. As well as giving concerts, last season we commissioned thirteen new works, launched a new professional choir, put the finishing touches to our ambitious Academy for talented young players, and gave 3,800 young people the chance to participate with Britten Sinfonia in school workshops and on stage with our players. Ticket income, however, covers barely a quarter of the cost of presenting all of this work.

This year please help celebrateBritten Sinfonia by way of a birthdaygift. We’d love to welcome you to joinas a Friend (from just £50) or to support an Orchestra Chair (from £500) or maybe a new piece of music. Get involved and help us continue to set the benchmark for all chamber orchestras for the next 20 years, by supporting our work through a donation. There’s never been a better moment to get involved!

Visit brittensinfonia.com,call Gabrielle Deschampson 01223 300795, or emailinfo@brittensinfonia.comto find out more.

gift20th

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Thank you | 23

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We acknowledge with enormous gratitude the generosity of our supporters, all of whom make Britten Sinfonia’s extensive concert, touring and Creative Learning programmes possible. Everyone who supports us makes a vital contribution to the life and music of Britten Sinfonia, and is a sourceof inspiration to us.

We would particularly like to acknowledge the support and encouragement of Arts Council England and Cambridge University Press, as well the many trusts, foundations, individuals, businesses, and other organisations whosupport our work.

Principal Funder

Corporate Sponsors

Broadcast Partner

Other Partners

International Partner

Kirby LaingFoundation

Town Close EstateCharitable Trust

24 | Britten Sinfonia Musicians, Trustees, Management

All details correct at time of going to print, however Britten Sinfonia reserves the right to substitute repertoire and artists as necessary.

Trustees Chairman Stephen Bourne Dame Mary Archer, DBEJonathan Barclay Dr Jerome BoothProf. Germaine GreerMargaret MairCharles Rawlinson, MBEJohn Stephens, OBE

ManagementChief Executive David Butcher Concerts Director Hannah Donat Artistic Planning Director Nikola White Orchestra ManagerHannah Tucker Concerts Coordinator James Calver Development DirectorWill Harriss Development AssistantGabrielle DeschampsMarketing DirectorClaire Bowdler

Marketing AssistantLisa BuckbyCreative Learning Director Isobel Timms Creative Learning AssistantJames BradyFinance Director Rebecca Walsh Finance AssistantElaine Rust Press Consultant Sophie CohenPublications EditorSamantha Walker

Britten Sinfonia1st violinsJacqueline Shave, LeaderThomas Gould,Associate LeaderMagnus JohnstonClara BissRuth EhrlichMartin Gwilym-JonesBeatrix LovejoyFiona McCapraKatherine Shave2nd violinsMiranda Dale Nicola Goldscheider Alexandra ReidAnna BradleyMarcus BroomeJudith KellySuzanne Loze

ViolasClare FinnimoreKate MuskerBridget CareyRachel ByrtCellosCaroline DearnleyBenjamin ChappellJoy HawleyJulia VohralikDouble BassesStephen WilliamsRoger LinleyFlutesEmer McDonoughSarah O’FlynnOboesNicholas DanielEmma FeildingClarinetsJoy FarrallAndrew Webster

BassoonsSarah BurnettSimon CouzensHornsStephen BellTom RumsbyTrumpetsPaul ArchibaldTom RainerTubaJames AndersonHarpLucy WakefordPianoHuw WatkinsHarpsichordMaggie Cole

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“an all-star orchestra”Radio Times

Residencies Projects Commissions Learning Recordings

Britten Sinfonia13 Sturton StreetCambridgeCB1 2SNUnited Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1223 300795Email: info@brittensinfonia.comwww.brittensinfonia.com

Chief Executive: David ButcherChairman: Stephen BourneRegistered Charity No. 291245

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