Thursday 13 March 2025 marks the centenary of celebrated soprano, Jennifer Vyvyan.

Born in Broadstairs, Kent, Vyvyan became one of the most celebrated English singers of her time, as well as a major inspiration for Benjamin Britten.

Vyvyan was a key figure in the English Opera Group, and in the modern stage revival of baroque opera, starring in performances of Handel and Purcell for the Handel Opera Society, the Royal Opera House, Sadlers Wells and Aldeburgh Festival. She was also chosen by Sir Arthur Bliss, Master of the Queen’s Music, to take part in his “Musical Embassy”, travelling to Russian in 1956 – the height of the Cold War – to bring English music to Soviet audiences.

Benjamin Britten wrote a number of major stage roles for Vyvyan, including the Governess in Turn of the Screw, Tytania in Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lady Rich in the coronation opera Gloriana and Mrs Julian in the TV opera Owen Wingrave. Vyvyan also championed many new works by other contemporary composers: Francis Poulenc, Malcolm Williamson, Lennox Berkeley, Arthur Bliss, Gordon Crosse.

After her early death in 1974, Vyvyan’s husband established a memorial scholarship in her name at the Royal Academy of Music, where she had been a student.

Jennifer Vyvyan will be celebrated in June 2025 at the 76th Aldeburgh Festival with a talk by Michael White and recital by soprano Sophie Bevan and pianist Ryan Wigglesworth. The captivating programme, especially curated for the occasion, embraces the range of music for which Vyvyan was known, and presents it with a fresh perspective that highlights her formative influence on both the Festival and Benjamin Britten himself. Visit Remembering Jennifer Vyvyan to find out more and book tickets.

With thanks to Michael White. jennifervyvyan.org