Britten - Saint Nicolas

For our 2026-27 season we are delighted to celebrated 10 years under the
leadership of our wonderful and gifted Musical Director and Conductor Mark Griffiths.As our season opener, we celebrate two more anniversaries, 50 years and 75 years
respectively since the deaths of Benjamin Britten and Gerald Finzi. For this concert
we join once again with St Paul's Sinfonia, and are especially pleased to welcome
the Taplow Girls' Choir, led by none other than our MD's mother, Gillian Dibden. As
well as taking on the Britten, Taplow Girls will also perform a selection of short
Pieces.
Our principal work is a dramatic choral cantata chronicling the life of the legendary
Saint Nicolas. With vivid storytelling, bold musical contrasts and vibrant community
spirit, Britten conjures up a storm at sea, miraculous resurrections and an episcopal
Enthronement, moving from joyful exuberance to the peaceful acceptance of his final
days. Premiered in 1948 at the inaugural Aldeburgh Festival, the role of Nicolas was
created for Britten's life partner Peter Pears. We are delighted to welcome back tenor
Luke Price to take on this complex and deeply human role.
Finzi's powerful and expressive Magnificat blends a rich English pastoral lyricism
with surprisingly dramatic force, concluding with an exquisitely radiant Amen.
Salutation, the soaring last movement of his Dies Natalis, culminates in a timeless
Stillness and Grace.