Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

in London, England

Period

:

Baroque

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Murray Forbes Somerville is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on August 22, 1949, in Boston, Massachusetts, Somerville grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Somerville's love for music began when he started playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the trumpet and the French horn, which he played in his high school band. However, it was his voice that stood out, and he began to take singing lessons. He attended the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied voice and choral conducting. After completing his studies, Somerville began his career as a choral conductor. He served as the director of music at the Church of the Advent in Boston for over 20 years. During his tenure, he established the Advent Choir, which became one of the most renowned choirs in the United States. He also founded the Boston Bach Ensemble, which performed the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and other Baroque composers. Somerville's talent as a conductor and singer soon caught the attention of the music world. He was invited to conduct and perform with some of the most prestigious orchestras and choirs in the world. In 1982, he was appointed the director of the Schola Cantorum of Oxford, a position he held for 10 years. During his tenure, he transformed the choir into one of the leading choirs in the world, performing in some of the most prestigious venues, including the Vatican and the Royal Albert Hall. Somerville's talent as a conductor and singer was recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1992, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Centennial Medal in 2000. In 2001, he was awarded the prestigious Harvard Arts Medal, which is awarded to Harvard alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts. Somerville's career as a conductor and singer has been marked by numerous highlights. In 1998, he conducted the world premiere of John Tavener's "Fall and Resurrection" at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The performance was a critical and commercial success and established Somerville as one of the leading conductors of contemporary music. In 2003, Somerville was appointed the director of the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, one of the most prestigious choirs in the world. During his tenure, he continued the choir's tradition of excellence, performing in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Vatican. He also recorded several albums with the choir, including "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols," which has become a Christmas tradition for millions of people around the world. Somerville's contributions to the world of music have been significant. He has conducted and performed with some of the most prestigious orchestras and choirs in the world, and his recordings have received critical acclaim. He has also been a mentor to many young musicians, inspiring them to pursue careers in music. In conclusion, Murray Forbes Somerville is a classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music.

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