The English Poetry and Song Society (EPSS) is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1956 by the renowned British composer, conductor, and pianist, Benjamin Britten. The ensemble was established with the aim of promoting the performance and appreciation of English song and poetry, and it has since become one of the most respected and influential groups in the classical music world. EPSS was founded at a time when there was a growing interest in the performance of English song, which had previously been overshadowed by the dominance of German lieder and French chanson. Britten, who was himself a prolific composer of English song, saw the need for an organization that would promote the genre and provide a platform for its performance. He enlisted the help of his friend and fellow composer, Peter Pears, and together they founded EPSS. The ensemble's founding members included Britten and Pears, as well as the tenor Peter Dickinson and the pianist Viola Tunnard. Over the years, the group has included many other distinguished musicians, including the baritone John Shirley-Quirk, the mezzo-soprano Janet Baker, and the pianist Graham Johnson. EPSS quickly established itself as a leading force in the performance of English song, and its concerts and recordings have been widely praised for their sensitivity and artistry. The group has performed at many of the world's leading concert halls and festivals, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Salzburg Festival. One of the highlights of EPSS's early years was its performance of Britten's song cycle, "The Holy Sonnets of John Donne," which was premiered by Pears and Britten in 1945. The ensemble's performance of the cycle in 1957, with Pears and Britten once again taking the lead roles, was widely acclaimed and helped to establish the group's reputation as a leading interpreter of English song. EPSS has also been recognized for its recordings, which have won numerous awards and accolades. In 1976, the group won a Grammy Award for its recording of Britten's "War Requiem," which featured Pears as one of the soloists. The ensemble has also won several awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors, including the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music in 1996. EPSS has continued to perform and record extensively, and its repertoire has expanded to include works by composers from other countries and periods. However, the group's commitment to the performance and promotion of English song remains at the heart of its mission, and it continues to be a leading advocate for the genre. In recent years, EPSS has faced some challenges, including financial difficulties and the retirement of several key members. However, the group has continued to perform and record, and it remains an important and influential force in the classical music world. Overall, the English Poetry and Song Society has played a vital role in the promotion and performance of English song, and its contributions to the classical music world have been widely recognized and celebrated. Its legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and audiences around the world, and it remains a testament to the power and beauty of English song.

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