Benjamin Britten - Edward Gardner conducts Britten

Information

Composer: Benjamin Britten

• Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20
• Winter Words, Op. 52 (orch. Robin Holloway)
• The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57

Nicky Spence, tenor

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Edward Gardner, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: London Philharmonic Orchestra

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This sixth release by Edward Gardner on the LPO Label features three compelling works by Benjamin Britten, highlighting both historical depth and fresh interpretations. The Sinfonia da Requiem, written in 1939 amid global unrest, is captured in a powerful live performance. The album also presents the world premiere recording of Winter Words in a new orchestration by Robin Holloway, offering a poignant reimagining of Britten’s Hardy song cycle. Another premiere is Gardner’s own orchestral suite from The Prince of the Pagodas, realizing Britten’s vision for a concert version of the ballet. This release celebrates the LPO’s 20th anniversary with distinction.

Edward Gardner (b. 1974) is an English conductor who began his career as a choral conductor and repetiteur while studying at the Royal Academy of Music. He served as music director of Glyndebourne on Tour (2004–2007) and English National Opera (2007–2015). Gardner was principal guest conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (2010–2016) and has held the same role with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra since 2013. Since 2021, he has been principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2022, he became artistic advisor of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, where he will assume the music director position in 2024.

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