Written for the 1962 consecration of Coventry Cathedral – rebuilt after its destruction in World War II – it stands as one of the twentieth century’s most ambitious choral masterpieces. Britten interweaves the Latin Mass for the Dead with the piercing poetry of Wilfred Owen, who was killed in the final week of World War I. In doing so, Britten creates a dialogue between the sacred and the human, between acts of faith and the realities of futility.
Scored for soprano, tenor, and baritone soloists, two orchestras, children’s choir, and large symphonic chorus, the War Requiem is both monumental in scale and deeply personal in message. From its haunting opening to its final plea for peace, the work remains a searing reminder of the cost of conflict and the enduring hope for reconciliation. Auckland Choral is joined by the Auckland Youth Choir and Cantare Choir of Westlake Girls in this powerful presentation of Britten’s visionary masterpiece.
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Location
Te wāhi
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Arrive early and explore the surrounding Aotea Arts Quarter. Aotea Square, The Civic, Aotea Centre and Q Theatre are all within a few minutes’ walk, with plenty of nearby dining options before or after a show.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Auckland Town Hall sits on Queen Street opposite Aotea Square. Te Waihorotiu Station is around a 2-minute walk away, while Waitematā Station and the ferry terminal are around a 17–20 minute walk down Queen Street. Frequent bus services stop nearby, and The Civic Car Park provides convenient parking close to the venue. For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
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