Peter Grimes

When Benjamin Britten read George Crabbe’s poem The Borough, it sparked in him the idea for one of the greatest operas written in the English language, his timeless Peter Grimes. Celebrating 80 years since its premiere our full orchestra and chorus will perform with guest soloists and a cast selected from British Youth Opera programmes.

From the troubled setting of the Suffolk coast – and the eponymous anti-hero’s relationship to the gossip-fuelled village – Britten weaves music of beauty, intricacy, humour and incredible humanity.

Whispers, judgments, and accusations swirl around a tight-knit English fishing village. A fisherman’s apprentice is dead and Peter Grimes, the boy’s employer, is in the frame.

British Youth Opera brings a cast of participants from their programmes, alongside established names in the three key roles, to this semi-staged performance at Saffron Hall – a great opportunity for audiences to hear the next generation in the making!

A second performance of the opera will be performed at Cadogan Hall, London 6th July 2025 – for further information visit their website HERE