Programme

Benjamin Britten (1913–1976): The War Requiem, op. 66

(celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II)

The opening concert of the 22nd St. Wenceslas Music Festival will feature Britten’s War Requiem: an extraordinary vocal-instrumental work that is one of the most fundamental musical statements of the 20th century. Britten combined a latin liturgical text with anti-war poems by the fallen British soldier Wilfred Owen, creating a powerful artistic reflection of the fury of war, suffering and hope. The work will be performed in the sacred space of the Mary the Queen Church in Ostrava, where its profound message will take on an extraordinary impact. The concert is held symbolically on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.