Lancing College welcomes distinguished conductor Steuart Bedford OL to present its next Head Master’s Lecture
Tuesday 18 November, 7.30pm, Great School, Lancing College
A special occasion, which is open to the public
Steuart Bedford is recognised as one of the leading Benjamin Britten experts and collaborated closely with the composer. He has conducted Britten’s operas in leading opera houses internationally, including the world premiere of Death in Venice. In 2013, Bedford conducted the innovative production of Peter Grimes, which was performed on the beach at the Aldeburgh Festival and was released in cinemas, on DVD and on CD to great critical acclaim.
Steuart Bedford, who is also a pianist, is an outstanding musical talent, whose passion for his subject was nurtured at Lancing College. Britten also had long term connections with Lancing, visiting frequently with Peter Pears OL, the celebrated tenor, and composing the St Nicolas Cantata, performed in the chapel, to celebrate the centenary of the School.
Steuart Bedford is delighted to return to Lancing College, where the music department is considered to be one of the best in the country, producing students who go on to follow distinguished musical careers.
The subject of his special Head Master’s Lecture is The Conductor in the Opera House. Steuart Bedford is ideally suited to talk on this subject as he has a lifetime’s experience of conducting opera – marshalling orchestras, choruses and soloists, to interpret extraordinary musical dramas. In the case of Britten, he was in the privileged and unique position of discussing ideas with the composer himself, and performing his operas during Britten’s lifetime, over many years.
Steuart Bedford is also a most engaging speaker and this promises to be a fascinating evening.
Tickets are free, but please book in advance from the Music Secretary (01273 465968; baa@lancing.org.uk)