Benjamin Britten

File:Benjamin Britten-Karsh.jpg

Photo by Yousuf Karsh, mid 1950s

Benjamin Britten (Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten, 1913–1976) was an English composer, perhaps best known for his operas including Peter Grimes, Albert Herring, and Billy Budd, as well as The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra and his War Requiem. He was born in Lowestoft, Suffolk and began composing at an early age.

According to Operabase, Britten has more operas played worldwide than any other composer born in the 20th century, and only Puccini and Richard Strauss come ahead of him if the list is extended to all operas composed after 1900.

In 1936 he met the tenor Peter Pears who became his life partner. In 1939 they moved to America. They returned in 1942, registering as conscientious objectors, and moved to Aldeburgh in Suffolk. In 1948 they founded the Aldeburgh Festival.

Britten declined a knighthood, but accepted a life peerage a few months before his death.