Benjamin Britten Benjamin Britten Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten (22 November 1913 – 4 December 1976) was an English composer, conductor and pianist. He was a central figure of 20th-century British classical music, with a range of works including opera, other vocal music, orchestral and chamber pieces. His best-known works include the opera "Peter Grimes" (1945), the "War Requiem" (1962) and the orchestral showpiece "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" (1945). Born in Suffolk, the son of a dentist, Britten showed talent from an early age. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London and privately with the composer
Victorian Opera (Melbourne) an operatic ghost story by Benjamin Britten. The Baroque opera "Julius Caesar" by Handel, presented at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, 20–30 July, conducted by Richard Gill and directed by former Australian Ballet principal Stephen Heathcote. Two world premieres by the Victorian Youth Opera. Firstly, "The Parrot Factory" a newly commissioned work by Frederick and Mary Davidson, performed at the CUB Malthouse Merlyn Theatre 1–5 October. Secondly, "The Cockatoos" by Sarah de Jong and Sarah Carradine presented at the New Ballroom, Trades Hall, 10–12 December. The 2012 season was Richard Gill's final season as Artistic Director, and concluded