Noah’s Flood

Joyous new production of masterpiece

Newcastle Youth Orchestra in association with Julie Logan Music and Avondale Conservatorium presents a family-friendly production of Benjamin Britten’s one-act opera Noye’s Fludde. Features a cast of more than 110 performers—with professional singers, actors and musicians joining school children and members of the community. Part of the 2021 Avondale Concert Series.

Noye’s Fludde, completed in 1957, is Britten’s most extended and elaborate work for children. He often tailors the music for amateur performers but does so without any sense of compromise. And he writes most of the vocal parts for children (with the exceptions being Noye, his wife and the Voice of God). A 55-piece orchestra comprises strings, recorders, bugles, handbells and an assortment of percussion including homemade instruments such as sandpaper blocks and slung mugs. Congregational singing features in three hymn settings. The seamless integration of these elements makes Noye’s Fludde one of Britten’s finest achievements.

Baritone Robert McDougall (Noye) and mezzo soprano Kathryn Dries (Mrs Noye) lead a cast directed by Ghillian Sullivan.