Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

December 30, 1919 in Newquay, Cornwall, England

Death

:

September 17, 2015 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England

Period

:

Contemporary

 

David Willcocks was a renowned British classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of choral music. He was born on December 30, 1919, in Newquay, Cornwall, England, to a family of musicians. His father was a church organist, and his mother was a singer. Willcocks showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Willcocks attended Clifton College in Bristol, where he was a chorister in the school choir. He later went on to study music at King's College, Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar. During his time at Cambridge, he studied under the renowned composer Boris Ord and became the organ scholar at King's College Chapel. After completing his studies, Willcocks served in the British Army during World War II. He was stationed in India and Burma, where he entertained the troops by playing the piano and conducting choral performances. After the war, he returned to Cambridge and became the organist and choirmaster at Salisbury Cathedral. In 1957, Willcocks was appointed the director of music at King's College, Cambridge, a position he held for 17 years. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the world of choral music. He introduced new works by contemporary composers and expanded the repertoire of the King's College Choir. He also established the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which has become a beloved Christmas tradition around the world. Willcocks was a prolific composer and arranger of choral music. He wrote over 200 works, including hymns, anthems, and carols. He also arranged many traditional carols, such as "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," which are still widely performed today. In addition to his work at King's College, Willcocks was also a conductor and guest conductor for many orchestras and choirs around the world. He conducted the Bach Choir in London for over 30 years and was the conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra from 1970 to 1973. Willcocks received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1968, he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Queen's Medal for Music in 2012, which is awarded to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the musical life of the nation. Willcocks passed away on September 17, 2015, at the age of 95. He left behind a legacy of beautiful choral music and a deep love for the art form. His contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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