The libretto for Noah’s Ark was adapted by from a 15th century mystery play in the Chester Mystery Cycle. For this opera recounting the Old Testament story of the Great Flood in simple terms, composer Benjamin Britten envisaged a church or large hall as the ideal venue.

The first performance of the work took place in 1958 in Orford Church as part of the Aldeburgh Festival, with members of the English Opera Group and amateur child singers. The voice of God was spoken by a theatre actor, the roles of Noah and his wife sung by adults and the rest of the cast comprising children. Besides the children’s roles, most of the instruments were also played by amateurs, with only a few professional musicians among the orchestra.

The audience – or, as the composer envisaged it, the congregation – joined the performers in singing hymns inserted into the original text. The virtuoso instrumentation of Britten’s score, which employs a small orchestra, is a brilliant example of how very potent musical theatre can be created with modest instrumental and vocal requirements and a joint ensemble of amateurs and professionals.

Britten: Noah’s Ark

Date and time: 5 September 2012, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Venue: Festival Theatre

Britten: Noah’s Ark - Children’s opera, op. 59

Featuring: Schola Cantorum Budapestiensis (artistic directors: Tamás Bubnó and János Mezei), members of the Budapest Festival Orchestra and music school students

Prices: 2200, 2900, 4100 Ft

Source: Palace of Arts
Address: 1095 Budapest, Komor Marcell utca 1.