| Timeline |
| 1913 |
Born 22 November in Lowestoft, Suffolk |
| 1924 |
Begins to study music with composer Frank Bridge after writing music without guidance since the age of 5 |
| 1930 |
Further studies at the Royal College of Music in London |
| 1933 |
Sinfonietta published and performed |
| 1939 |
Moves to North America with tenor Peter Pears, who had the greatest personal influence on his music |
| 1945 |
Premiere in London of opera Peter Grimes brings Britten international fame |
| 1948 |
Establishes an annual festival of music at Aldeburgh, in Suffolk |
| 1951 |
First performance of the opera Billy Budd |
| 1973 |
Major heart surgery reduces his activities |
| 1976 |
First musician to be made a life peer of the British Empire. Dies in Aldeburgh on 4 December |
