Britten War Requiems warn of ‘the pity of war’
Benjamin Britten’s pacifist masterpiece continues to offer a powerful reflection on the horrors of war with notable performances in Tel Aviv, Kyiv and Hiroshima. Coming months mark 80 years since the end of World War II and 2026 is the 50th anniversary of Britten’s death.
War Requiem, Benjamin Britten’s masterly fusion of the poetry of Wilfred Owen, the Latin Mass and his own powerful music, continues to be programmed around the world to offer its warning about ‘the pity of war’, bringing particularly poignant performances in places currently afflicted by war or remembering its aftermath and a lost generation. 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May, and the end of the war globally on 2 September following the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan in 1945.
Israeli Opera presented a staged production of War Requiem in Tel Aviv in December, directed by Ido Ricklin and conducted by Alexander Joel. Though composed as a concert work, the score has been successfully realised on stage in recent years, most notably in productions by Calixto Bieito in Basel and Oslo, by Yoshi Oida in Lyon, and by Daniel Kramer with designs by Wolfgang Tillmans at English National Opera in London. The staging in Tel Aviv took the decision to split the male voice parts into six roles for tenor and baritone, portraying both soldiers and civilians, while a pair of sopranos sang the Latin texts, representing a female war victim and an angel of light. A boy actor symbolised the lost children, notably in the Abraham and Isaac scene and its betrayal of youth, echoed in the distant voices of the Moran Children’s Choir.
War Requiem received its Ukrainian premiere in February at the Kyiv Opera House in a concert performance conducted by Mykola Dyadyura. The soloists, orchestra and chorus of Kyiv Opera were joined by the Boris Liatoshinsky Chapel Choir, and the children's choirs Dzvinochok & Vognyk. Earlier in this time of war since the Russian invasion, the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra took part in a performance of War Requiem in Prague in September 2023, recorded by Czech TV and telecast by Arte.
Phoenix Hall in Hiroshima’s Peace Park plays host to a performance of War Requiem on 6 September, observing 80 years since the atomic bombing of the city. Japanese and British performers combine for the event, with soloists Hiromi Omura, James Gilchrist and Roderick Williams, the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra, the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and the NHK Hiroshima Children’s Chorus, conducted by Gavin Carr.
Britten 2026: 50th anniversary of death
4 December 2026 marks 50 years since the death of Benjamin Britten at his home in Aldeburgh. Plans are underway to honour the anniversary year internationally with concerts and events.
Promotion resources are available in PDF format for musicians and programmers:
• "Britten Connections" – Thematic Guide to the Concert Works (2011) [1,2 MB]
• Orchestral Works – Commentary on the Orchestral Works (2010) [400 KB]
• Operas – Commentary on the Operas (2009) [20 MB]
• Choral Works - Repertoire Notes on the Choral Works (2012) [2.2 MB]
If you would like to discuss or share your Britten 2026 plans please contact your local Boosey & Hawkes promotion team:
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
> Benjamin Britten at Boosey & Hawkes
> Explore repertoire on the theme of War and Peace
> Further information on Work: War Requiem
Photo: Lotte Meiter-Graf/Boosey & Hawkes