Britten, Haydn

Benjamin Britten’s Les Illuminations sets Arthur Rimbaud’s vivid French poems to music, exploring themes of youth, transformation and introspection. The work flows effortlessly between shimmering delicacy and moments of intense drama. We are delighted to welcome Aotearoa soprano Carleen Ebbs back to share the stage with CSO to bring Britten’s evocative sound world vividly to life.

Written during a long summer at the Esterházy estate, Haydn’s Symphony No. 45, famously known as the Farewell Symphony, combines wit, elegance, and a touch of humour. Its memorable finale features musicians quietly leaving the stage one by one – an ingenious hint to their patron Prince Nikolaus Esterházy (known for keeping his orchestra at the estate for long stretches), that their time away from home was long enough. This playful and charming symphony remains a beloved example of Haydn’s inventive spirit.

With thanks to PKF Goldsmith Fox, CSO Soloist Partner.

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Members only pre-sale: 17 – 31 October

First release tickets on sale: 1 – 30 November (10% off full-price tickets, excludes Lamb & Hayward Curator's Series)

General sale: From 1 December