A new community opera by Master of the King’s Music Errollyn Wallen, drawing on texts collected but not set by Britten, premieres at Orford Church and on Orkney in the run-up to Christmas this year. News of it arrives in a week when the role of Master of the King’s Music is unusually visible.
Errollyn Wallen’s A Christmas Miracle draws its inspiration from Britten’s original unrealised plans for an intergenerational community opera of the Christmas story. Wallen’s setting brings together a small group of professional singers and instrumentalists, with a community cast 80-100 participants, directed by Freddie Wake-Walker. Each performance is intended to be unique to its location.
A callout for people of all ages to participate in the Orford staging is now being made (details below). Invitations are open to attend introductory sessions on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th May 2026 for anyone interested in singing, performing, arts or crafts. Weekly rehearsals kick off in September.
The Britten connection foregrounded in the pre-publicity seeks to trigger the same community feel the Suffolk composer made a bid for connection to when his one-act opera. Noye’s Fludde premiered at Orford Church in 1958 — an act that emphasised the work’s roots in the locale.
A Christmas Miracle strives to do something similar, honouring Britten in the 50th year after his death, at the same time as bringing greater attention to Errolyn Wallen’s output. Pitching the new opera as a continuation of the Noye’s Fludde ethos invites comparisons it may not want. But it also leans into something Britten Pears Arts does well — a continuity ethos evident across the Festival and the wider year-round programme. Continuity expressed in innovation keeps the spirit of Britten alive.
Call out for performers and volunteers
Britten Pears Arts and Mahogany Opera are looking for people of all ages to be involved in A Christmas Miracle – anyone interested in singing, music making or arts & crafts. No experience is required. Come to the introductory workshops where A Christmas Miracle will be introduced with singing workshops and some informal auditions for some roles.
Friday 8th May: 5pm – 8pm, Orford Town Hall
5pm: an invitation to 9 – 13-year-olds keen on singing and performing to come along for an informal workshop.
6.15pm: calling all members of the community – adults, children and young people to come and find out more about the production, and how you can get involved onstage, backstage, making costumes and more.
Saturday 9th May: 10am – 1pm, Kiln Studio Snape
An invitation to all singers 13+ and adults interested in performing.
Time commitment
Weekly rehearsals from September 2026, either slotting into the current weekly rehearsals of local groups you can join or ad hoc to accommodate availability.
13 – 21 November: late afternoons and evenings for production and performances on 20 and 21 November.
Sign-Up
To sign-up visit A Christmas Miracle – Call out for performers and volunteers
