Noye’s Fludde – October 17 & 18, 2025
This October, Wellington Cathedral of St Paul is delighted to present Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood), a joyful community opera retelling the story of Noah and the Ark. Performed by professional soloists, Cathedral choristers, and more than 50 Wellington children, this promises to be an inspiring celebration of music and community.
In partnership with the SPCA, a portion of proceeds will support their vital work in animal rescue and care. Join us for this unique event in the Cathedral’s stunning space on Friday 17 October (evening) and Saturday 18 October (afternoon).
About Noye’s Fludde
Benjamin Britten (1913–1976) is widely regarded as one of the greatest British composers of the 20th century. Best known for works such as Peter Grimes, The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, and the War Requiem, Britten had a lifelong commitment to making music accessible to all. He founded the Aldeburgh Festival in Suffolk, which continues to this day, and wrote extensively for children and community performers as well as for the world’s leading soloists and ensembles. Noye’s Fludde reflects this inclusive vision, combining professional artistry with the energy of young and amateur musicians to create performances that are both musically rich and deeply communal.
Noye’s Fludde is a one-act community opera first performed in 1958 at the Aldeburgh Festival. Based on the medieval Chester Mystery Plays, it brings to life the story of Noah and the Ark with a unique blend of professional soloists, children, and community performers. The work is famous for its imaginative use of music and staging—bugles, handbells, mugs, and even sandpaper create the sounds of storm and rainbow—while the audience themselves join in singing familiar hymns. Britten’s vision was for the piece to be performed in churches and community halls, bringing together people of all ages in a shared experience of drama and music.
Our Production
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul will stage its own production of Noye’s Fludde as a major outreach project, involving 50 Wellington children alongside the Cathedral’s choristers. Directed by Jacqui Coats, one of New Zealand’s leading opera directors, with musical direction by Michael Stewart, the Cathedral’s Director of Music, this promises to be a high-quality and deeply engaging event for the city.