Britten, Benjamin. (1913–1976) "Billy Budd," 1951 Premiere ProgramOriginal oversize program from the first performance of "Billy Budd," at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on December 1st, 1951. The opera, conducted by the composer, was here presented in it's original four acts, though Britten later compressed it into two in 1960. Theodore Uppman sang the title role, with a cast that also included Peter Pears (Captain Vere) and Geraint Evans (Mr. Flint), who had originally planned to sing Billy Budd, but who