Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten of Aldeburgh (1913–1976), was an influential English composer, conductor, and pianist, and a major figure in twentieth-century British music. Best known for works such as the opera Peter Grimes, the War Requiem, and The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Britten shaped the landscape of opera and choral music in his era. Raised in Suffolk and trained at the Royal College of Music, he attracted early attention with the choral piece A Boy Was Born. Britten’s operas, including The Turn of the Screw, often explore themes of outsiderhood and lost innocence. He wrote extensively for both professionals and amateurs, with a special focus on music for young people. His lifelong collaboration with tenor Peter Pears inspired many of his works. Britten co-founded the Aldeburgh Festival and contributed significantly to British musical life, both as a composer and performer. He was the first composer to receive a life peerage shortly before his death.