When and where was Edward Benjamin Britten born?
Edward Benjamin Britten was born in the fishing port of Lowestoft, Suffolk, on the 22nd of November 1913. His father Robert Victor Britten worked as a dentist who practiced without pleasure.
Questions about Benjamin Britten
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did Benjamin Britten leave England for North America in April 1939?
Several reasons drove their departure from England including the difficult position of pacifists in an increasingly bellicose Europe. W.H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood had moved to the US three months earlier.
What opera by Benjamin Britten opened in June 1945 at Sadler's Wells Opera?
Peter Grimes opened in June 1945 and was hailed by both public and critics. Its box-office takings matched or exceeded those for La bohème and Madame Butterfly during the same season.
When did the Snape Maltings hall open for the Aldeburgh Festival?
The 830-seat Snape Maltings hall opened by Queen Elizabeth II on the 2nd of June 1967 at the start of the twentieth Aldeburgh Festival. It was immediately hailed as one of the best concert halls in the country.
Who were the main vocal partners in Benjamin Britten's song cycles throughout his career?
Throughout his career Britten composed extensive song cycles dedicated to specific vocalists including tenor Peter Pears. Les Illuminations set words by Arthur Rimbaud and reflects eroticism in the poems.
On what date did Edward Benjamin Britten die after completing Death in Venice?
Rita Thomson nursing sister moved to Aldeburgh in 1974 caring for him until death on the 4th of December 1976. He accepted life peerage becoming Baron Britten of Aldeburgh first composer so honoured.