This chapter examines the early intersections between Peter Pears and Benjamin Britten, well before their American years (1939–42) and the official beginning of their romantic relationship, as well as the tenor’s early career. Pears’s earliest professional singing engagements began with the BBC Wireless Chorus, in the newly established Wireless Octet (renamed the BBC Singers B in March 1935) intended to function alongside the BBC Singers and take part in BBC Chorus performances and Promenade Concerts; he remained in these various ensembles until October 1937. In both late 1936 and late 1937, Pears travelled to the United States on tours with the New English Singers. In April 1939, Pears travelled to the United States via Canada with Britten. Pears’s career in the United States is explored, but more significant is his vocal study with Clytie Mundy, to whom he attributed the greatest growth in his emerging solo voice. On their return to wartime England, Pears and Britten registered for conscientious objector status. At the same time, Pears enjoyed considerable success as a leading soloist on the operatic (and touring) stage and in recital and BBC broadcasts with Britten.

This chapter considers the professional and amateur orchestral and choral organisations that intersected with Britten and formed the corpus of British musical life in London and regional centres, including such London-based ensembles as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the BBC Singers, and choral ensembles such as the John Alldis Choir, the Purcell Singers (formed to serve the Aldeburgh Festival), and the Huddersfield Choral Society, among others.