Benjamin Britten’s impact on 20th century musical and cultural life was immense – and through his extraordinary works spanning the breadth of classical music genres he continues to influences artists and audiences alike in the 21st.

On Friday October 6 – two weeks today – a number of leading musicians who shared in Britten’s journey, by performing in premieres or acting as advocates for his finest compositional creations, will gather at London’s Wigmore Hall for a special fundraising gala of readings, reminiscences and of course performances.

The evening is to raise money for a statue of the composer to be built outside his birthplace on Lowestoft sea front. Designed by Ian Rank-Broadley, the sculpture will depict Britten as a boy, offering inspiration to today’s children of Lowestoft. You can learn more about the statue here.

Those speaking about Britten on October 6 include musicians Sir Thomas Allen, Dame Janet Baker, Benjamin Luxon (all singers so associated with Britten’s operas) and Tasmin Little (who has recorded Britten’s music for violin), as well as the Chief Execeutive of Britten Pear Arts Roger Wright, and the evening’s organiser and co-host, broadcaster Zeb Soanes.

Performers, meanwhile, will include sopranos Marie McLaughlin and Mhairi Lawson, contralto Jess Dandy, tenor Charles Daniels, vocal ensemble Apollo 5, violinist Adrian Butterfield, viola player Clifton Harrison, pianist Iain Burnside, actor Alistair McGowan and children from Britannia Primary School, Ipswich.

There are still a number of tickets available, so to enjoy an evening celebrating this most significant of musical figures, as well as support the creation of a permanent statue in his hometown, visit Wigmore Hall.