2013 is the centenary of Benjamin Britten's birth, and we are grateful for generous support from
the Britten-Pears Foundation and the Harpenden Music Foundation for this exciting community project,
profits from which will go to charity.
The opera recounts the biblical story of Noah, the flood, and the building of the
ark, and will draw nearly entirely on the wide variety of talent and accomplishment from our community -
primary and secondary school pupils, and older amateurs and professionals - to sing, play, and help with publicity,
costumes, props and set building etc. The orchestra comprises a piano, strings, bugles, recorders, 12 handbells,
much percussion -
including slung mugs and a wind machine - and the audience can look forward to participating in
three well-known hymns.
Local professional musicians Miles Golding and
Catherine Denley are co-producing the opera. They have organised several succesful community events over the
past few years, and have long
harboured a wish to perform this wonderful opera;
the Britten centenary was an ideal catalyst. Catherine will co-direct with
Bernadette Stewart, an experienced actress and dramaturg, who teaches drama at Aldwickbury School.
