A five-year community project to honour Benjamin Britten is reaching its conclusion with the unveiling of a bronze statue in Lowestoft.
The artwork, by royal sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, depicts Britten aged fourteen, when his musical talent was first recognised. It will be installed in Kitchener’s Garden, near Claremont Pier, and gifted to East Suffolk Council for the children of the town.
The ceremony on Monday the 10th November, will be led by Sir John Rutter, one of Britain’s best-known composers, who sang under Britten’s direction in the iconic 1963 recording of the War Requiem. He described the experience as life-changing and said he was honoured to take part in the unveiling.
Local schoolchildren will perform a new commemorative song, What Bliss is Home, written by Suffolk composer Ben Parry with lyrics by Zeb Soanes, celebrating Britten’s childhood in Lowestoft. Attendees will be invited to join in the chorus.
Benjamin Britten was born in the town in 1913 and went on to become one of the leading composers of the 20th century. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 1965 and became the first musician to be elevated to the peerage in 1976, just months before his death.
Listen now to hear more from Ruth Wharrier, from the Britten as a Boy project:
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