Benjamin Britten’s Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac
Salisbury Cathedral Lay Vicars
Written for alto, tenor and piano, Abraham and Isaac is one of Britten’s most compelling vocal works. Drawing on the medieval Chester Mystery Plays, it retells the story of Abraham and Isaac with striking directness and emotional depth. The two voices take on multiple roles, creating a vivid musical drama that remains one of the composer’s most distinctive settings of a biblical text.
Performed in the unique setting of Salisbury Cathedral, this concert offers an opportunity to experience Britten’s music alongside works by some of his contemporaries, placing Abraham and Isaac within the rich musical landscape of twentieth-century Britain.
This concert forms part of a wider weekend at Salisbury Cathedral celebrating the life and music of Benjamin Britten, marking the 50th anniversary of his death in 2026. The celebrations continue at Choral Evensong on Sunday 22 November, when Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia will be sung on the Feast of St Cecilia, which also falls on the composer’s birthday.
This event is organised by Salisbury Cathedral.
Tickets are available online or through the Cathedral Box Office, open Monday–Friday 10am–4pm.
For visitors with access requirements, or if you require an essential companion to accompany you, please contact the Cathedral Box Office to book your tickets.
Email: Boxoffice@salcath.co.uk. Tel: 01722 656 555.