Britten Pears Arts
“I want my music to be of use to people... to enhance their lives”
Benjamin Britten, 1964
A new charity formed by the unification of Snape Maltings and the Britten-Pears Foundation in April 2020.
Britten Pears Arts is pleased to have received the news that it will benefit from a Cultural Recovery Grant of £950,000.
The organisation’s usually strong mixed economic model has been devastated by the pandemic and this grant will enable it to continue its distinctive work using music, arts and heritage to engage with diverse audiences, musicians, young people and others and to enhance their lives.
Britten Pears Arts is a pioneering music, arts and heritage charity based on the Suffolk coast at two popular, historic visitor destinations: The Red House and Snape Maltings. We emerged from the creative partnership of Benjamin Britten, one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, and his professional and personal partner, singer Peter Pears.
Britten and Pears shared a progressive vision for music and the arts to be useful. Our founders’ vision inspires all our activities: from work with our local communities to our national leadership roles in the fields of talent development and music for health & wellbeing.
Our sites
Snape Maltings
A 19th-century industrial complex, Snape Maltings was converted by Britten and Pears into one of the world's leading centres of musical performance and development and home to the internationally renowned Aldeburgh Festival. It is also known for its independent shops and galleries, and for its breath-taking backdrop of reeds, water and sky.
The Red House
The Red House in Aldeburgh is the former home of Britten and Pears and is lovingly preserved and open to all. It cares for the collections left by the two men, including their Archive which holds an extraordinary wealth of material richly documenting their lives. The site is surrounded by a five acre garden offering a peaceful setting to this beautiful corner of Suffolk.
Nature
From Britten and Pears’ tranquil garden at The Red House to the reeds and river at Snape Maltings, both locations are surrounded by beautiful, natural environments.
Art
Explore art in a range of settings: from Britten and Pears' art collection at The Red House, the outdoor sculpture at both sites, and the art galleries at Snape Maltings.
Shops
Snape Maltings' collection of independent shops is dedicated to providing a thoroughly different experience from shopping on the high street.
Our programme
For the time being, our world has changed in unimaginable ways, and yet, through it all, our critical focus remains the people – including our audiences, artists, young people and those living in the most challenging conditions – we exist to support. Once we emerge from this lockdown period, we know that we will need to be there for these people more than ever. If you'd like to support our work, please visit the Snape Maltings website supporter pages for more information.
Despite the temporary pause in our public programmes, we are still working hard to develop our other work. This rich and varied activity can be seen on our Digital Campus, which reminds us of the deeply positive impact music and the arts has on people’s lives. We hope that you find plenty to enjoy here.
Festivals, Concerts & Events
Festivals and concerts take place throughout the year, from the Aldeburgh Festival and Snape Proms to intimate recitals and community choirs.
Artist Development
Opportunities for musicians, other creative artists and researchers, at all career stages, from under-18s to established stars.
Community
Life-enhancing work for local communities, prisons, care settings, and families, developed and delivered locally with national reach and impact.
Schools
Projects and opportunities throughout the year for schools in Suffolk and beyond, including large-scale performance opportunities, workshops in schools, free resources, and CPD opportunities for school staff.
Archive
Maintaining and sharing one of the UK's most important centres for music research and learning. Accessible to all through exhibitions, displays, talks and enquiries.
Heritage
From Britten and Pears’ modest 17th-century home furnished in eclectic 1950s/60s interiors, to the Victorian Maltings and its transformation into a world class performance space.
Shared Thinking
Bringing together musicians, researchers, clinicians and communities to develop new ideas and approaches to music's role in society.
Britten & Pears
Opportunities to learn about the life and music of Britten and Pears, through learning sessions, onsite and online resources, films, podcasts and more.
Our Commitment to Equality
Racism has no place in our society or within the arts. Britten Pears Arts is proud to stand in solidarity with the black community and everyone fighting racism across the world.
Following discussions with artists we work with, from groups underrepresented by Britten Pears Arts, we have commited to equal access, equal opportunity, and to holding ourselves accountable.
Read our full statement from Britten Pears Arts Chief Executive, Roger Wright, and co-chairs of the Board of Trustees, Simon Robey and Vernon Ellis.