Using music to transform people’s lives and bring communities together

Britten Pears Arts is a pioneering cultural charity based in Suffolk, with a rich heritage and an ambitious vision for the future. Founded on the belief of composer Benjamin Britten and singer Peter Pears that music should be accessible to all, the organisation continues to champion that ethos today. Through world-class performance, artist development, heritage, and community programmes, Britten Pears Arts uses music and the arts to inspire, connect, and bring about positive change in society.

The organisation has its roots in the Aldeburgh Festival, first held in 1948, and in The Red House – the former home of Britten and Pears – which they moved to in 1957. A landmark merger in 2020 between Snape Maltings (formerly Aldeburgh Music) and the Britten-Pears Foundation united these two strands of work, creating Britten Pears Arts as it is known today.

Now, Snape Maltings and The Red House are thriving cultural destinations, welcoming audiences and visitors from near and far. Together they house a world-class concert hall, galleries, cafés and restaurants, shops, and heritage collections, with all profits reinvested into the charity’s cultural and community mission.

Community is at the heart of Britten Pears Arts. From mass-participation singing projects such as Friday Afternoons, to wellbeing initiatives for people living with conditions such as dementia or Parkinson’s, and creative programmes within the criminal justice system, the charity works to ensure the arts are inclusive and transformative. It also nurtures the next generation of talent through Aldeburgh Young Musicians and extensive artist development opportunities.

The Red House remains a unique part of this story – a grade II listed heritage site preserving the life and legacy of Britten and Pears, offering intimate insights into their music, art, and personal lives, and engaging audiences year-round through exhibitions, recitals, talks, and digital resources.

With strong local roots and an international reputation, Britten Pears Arts continues to celebrate its history while looking boldly to the future – using music and the arts to transform lives.

Pure are delighted to be partnering with the organisation to appoint their new Head of People. This is an exciting time to join, with the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the HR function to a modern, people-focussed approach that will shape culture, drive engagement and empower the organisation to achieve its strategic goals.