London Philharmonic Orchestra
Edward Gardner conducts Britten’s War Requiem
- When
- Sat 26 Sep · 19:00
- Where
- Royal Festival Hall, London

The programme
Britten
War Requiem (77’)
The evening
A new season begins with music that speaks to the heart.
‘The truth untold, the pity of war, the pity war distilled …’ As Europe rose from the ashes of conflict, Benjamin Britten composed his War Requiem – fusing sacred texts with the poetry of Wilfred Owen to create one of music’s most personal (and powerful) gestures of sorrow, mourning and reconciliation. Tonight, the LPO launches a season exploring the purpose that music can bring to our lives. Edward Gardner conducts the London Philharmonic Choir and friends, with three of the 21st century’s most admired solo singers in this 20th-century classic: music that speaks to the heart, with a message that never gets any less urgent.
Please note start time. There will be no interval in this performance.
Sung in English and Latin, with English surtitles.
The LPO is grateful for the generous support of Fiona Espenhahn and Malcolm Herring, and the donations from this concert’s syndicate of supporters.
*Edward Gardner’s position with the LPO is generously supported by Aud Jebsen.
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On stage
Edward Gardner
Conductor
Natalya Romaniw
Soprano
Allan Clayton
Tenor
Benjamin Appl
Baritone
London Philharmonic Choir
London Symphony Chorus
Tiffin Boys' Choir and Girls' Choir