Britten's War Requiem, English National Opera

Benjamin Britten's War Requiem is one of the most powerful musical tributes to the losses of war. The composer, a pacifist, set the words of First World War poet and soldier Wilfred Owen, which never fail to move.

An immensely powerful and personal work, it was symbolically first performed in the new Coventry Cathedral in 1962, alongside the ruins of the old, bombed church. Its staging by English National Opera, 100 years after the end of the First World War, will fully explore its dramatic potential.

The designer making his ENO debut is the Turner Prize-winning artist and designer Wolfgang Tillmans. Directing is ENO artistic director Daniel Kramer. In keeping with ENO's woman-focused season 2018/19, the work focuses not only on the men who served, but on the women who also served, supported the troops, and made their own sacrifices.

Britten wrote several outstanding operas, his feeling for words, vivid orchestration and mournful melodies making him a natural dramatist too.

The impressive line-up of soloists comprises soprano Emma Bell, who has triumphed in the title role of Vanessa at Glyndebourne Festival Opera this summer, tenor David Butt Phillips and baritone Roderick Williams.

War Requiem is performed by the combined forces of an 80-strong chorus, a children’s choir of 40, and the choir and orchestra of English National Opera conducted by Martyn Brabbins.

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Booking is now open. Click here for the full ENO season 2018/19