BBC Singers 2026-27 BBC Singers and Britten Sinfonia: Britten St Nicholas

Benjamin Britten lives! 50 years to the day since his death in 1976, the Britten Sinfonia and the BBC Singers unleash the irrepressible life-force of Britten’s St Nicholas, the story of the saint who inspired the figure of Santa Claus.

Prison breaks, pickled boys and adventures at sea…just don’t call him Santa. The story of Saint Nicholas is wilder and more wonderful than you think, and in his joyous cantata, Benjamin Britten retold it in some of the brightest, boldest and most colourful music he ever wrote. What better way to mark the 50th anniversary of Britten’s death (to the day) than with a choral masterpiece that breaks all the rules? It’s never sounded more alive. Arvo Pärt’s atmospheric tribute launches a celebration of genius from the BBC Singers and Britten Sinfonia.