Benjamin Britten, one of England's most famous composers, had a studio in Halliford Street from 1970-76. His opera "Death in Venice" was partly composed here. His other works include the operas "Peter Grimes", "Billy Budd", "War Requiem for the Dedication of Coventry Cathedral", and "A Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra".
Thomas Britton held weekly concerts over his coal merchant's shop in Jerusalem Passage, from 1678. Important composers such as Pepusch and, it is also rumoured, Handel, paid visits to his musical evenings.
Anton Bruckner, Austrian composer, stayed at Finsbury Square from 1871. From 1863 - 1894 he composed 10 symphonies, 4 masses, and 2 chamber works, often based on his admiration for Wagner.
Page Last Updated: 31 October 2008