Opera - Benjamin Britten's ‘Curlew River'

Friday 1st August 2025
8pm

A woman driven mad by the death of her son finds peace as the result of the chance encounter with a ferryman on a Fenland river. This staged performance presents this tale of healing and redemption in the perfect setting.

Opera - Benjamin Britten's ‘Curlew River', St James' Church, Southrepps, Norfolk, NR11 8NX | A woman driven mad by the death of her son finds peace as the result of the chance encounter with a ferryman on a Fenland river. This staged performance presents this tale of healing and redemption in the perfect setting. | Opera, Benjamin Britten, Theatre, Music, Classical Music

Step into the atmospheric world of Benjamin Britten's church parable Curlew River, a unique fusion of medieval mystery play and Japanese Noh theatre. This powerful parable of loss, faith, and redemption unfolds beside a desolate river crossing, where a Madwoman searches for her lost child. With Britten's evocative music, ritualistic drama, and a hauntingly beautiful score for tenor, baritone, and chamber ensemble, Curlew River offers an unforgettable theatrical and spiritual experience.

Ben Johnson - Madwoman
Armand Rabot - Ferryman
Oliver Bowes - Traveller
Francisco Ribeiro - Abbot
Tom Primrose - Conductor
Southrepps Ensemble

Southrepps Music Festival, founded in 2010, present their 2025 programme. This year's programme introduces guitar/double-bass/vocals duo, Eleanor Grant and Gus McQuade, who present a unique programme embracing folk and jazz as well as renaissance and modern genres. In addition, we present a staged production of Britten's haunting chamber opera, Curlew River. Other artists include Martin James Bartlett, a flute-viola-harp trio, and of course the chance to meet musicians involved in our Young Artists' Programme which runs throughout the week.

Price: 20

Location: St James' Church, Southrepps, Norfolk, NR11 8NX