What's On

Saturday 10 February 2024, 7.30pm

Britten Sinfonia & Guy Johnston

Britten Sinfonia & Guy Johnston

Presented by Britten Sinfonia

The opportunity to experience John Tavener’s intensely beautiful The Protecting Veil is not to be missed. “One of the later 20th century’s most beloved and moving works” (Gramophone magazine), this timeless classic is full of intimacy and emotion.

One of the very few cellists to have worked with Sir John Tavener, Guy Johnston is the soloist and central character, transcendent amidst Britten Sinfonia’s heady layers of sound.

In the first half Britten Sinfonia performs Bartók’s compelling, mood-shifting Divertimento, written on the eve of WWII, and a string orchestra version of Beethoven’s legendary contrapuntal work-out for string quartet.

“A handful of cellists internationally were able to consult John on how their performance could adapt and take on the challenge of The Protecting Veil’s new sound-world. Guy Johnston was able to absorb John’s vision by this personal contact. He brings that depth and experience with his exquisite playing into 2024 and beyond. Guy Johnston and the Britten Sinfonia: ideal.”

- Lady Maryanna Tavener

Change of soloist: Please note that this event was originally advertised with Abel Selaocoe as the soloist. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen family circumstances, Abel has had to withdraw from the performances. We are delighted that Guy Johnston is able to step in to replace him.

Performance information

Running time

1 hour 50 minutes

Content warnings

Age Guidance 7+

This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old

Booking information

Seating style

This event has tiered stalls and balcony seating

Discounts

Under 25s can purchase half price tickets for this show.

Ten for £10

This event is part of our Ten for £10 scheme. We will release ten £10 tickets for sale at 10am on the morning of this performance.

Transport

Shuttle bus

Pre-show shuttle bus will be operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance

More info

Programme and performers

Programme

  • Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet movement, arr. strings, Op.133 Grosse Fuge 16 mins
  • Béla Bartók Divertimento 22 mins
  • John Tavener The Protecting Veil 45 mins

Performers

  • Britten Sinfonia
  • Thomas Gould violin/director
  • Guy Johnston cello

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Courtney Pine and Jane Richardson

Information for your visit

Saturday 10 February 2024, 7.30pm

Schedule

All timings are approximate and will be updated closer to the show date. Please check the website on the day of the performance for up-to-date information.

Latecomers can usually be admitted at a suitable gap within the performance.

Pre-show shuttle bus

6.30pm - 7.30pm
Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.

When to arrive

6.30pm - 7.15pm
We have over 400 free parking spots for anyone driving.

Foyer opens

6.30pm
Enjoy a drink at the bar before the auditorium opens.

Auditorium opens

7pm
Get your tickets ready for checking, find your seats, sit back and relax.

Show starts

7.30pm

Interval

Interval (20 mins)

Show ends

9.20pm (approx)

Post-show shuttle bus

9.20pm – 10.20pm
Operating from Saffron Hall to Audley End Station

Content warnings

Age Guidance 7+

This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old

Location

Saffron Hall

Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UH

Transport

Shuttle bus

Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.
More info

Additional information

Drinks

For this event, you're welcome to bring drinks purchased from our bar into the event with you.

Cloakroom

We are unable to allow any bags into the performance space which are larger than a hand bag or small backpack. Unfortunately our cloakroom will not be in operation.

Can't find your e-tickets?

Log in here to download your e-ticket from our website

Exterior of Saffron Hall showing the Saffron Walden County High School and Saffron Hall signs next to each other

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know about visiting Saffron Hall including getting here, parking, the shuttle bus and more
Light floods through the windows of the auditorium on to the blue theatre seats

Accessibility

Find out about our accessible seating and how to book either online, via email or over the phone
Saffron Hall car park full of cars

Parking

We have over 400 free parking spaces on site for our visitors

Make a donation

You may not know that Saffron Hall Trust is a registered charity. In order to sustain our work we really need your support.

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