An illuminating exploration through music and words of Britten’s enduring relationship with the viola.

Benjamin Britten had viola lessons from the age of ten. The instrument he practiced on – usually on display in The Red House gallery –will make a special appearance for this afternoon. The viola was a focus of inspiration and expression throughout Britten’s life and career. Acclaimed violist Clifton Harrison (whose Kreutzer Quartet features in the opening Festival weekend) teams up with Dr Christopher Hilton (Head of Archive and Library) and Britten Pears Young Artists to play and discuss music by Britten and others, and to reflect on various aspects of this fascinating topic.