Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

February 9, 1949 in Dorchester, Dorset, England

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Paul Hillier is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of choral music. He was born on February 9, 1949, in Dorchester, England. Hillier's interest in music began at a young age, and he started singing in his local church choir when he was just seven years old. He later attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he studied singing and conducting. After completing his studies, Hillier joined the Hilliard Ensemble, a vocal quartet that specialized in early music. He sang with the group for over a decade, during which time they gained international recognition for their performances and recordings. Hillier's work with the Hilliard Ensemble helped to establish him as a leading figure in the world of early music. In 1990, Hillier founded the Theatre of Voices, a vocal ensemble that focused on contemporary music. The group quickly gained a reputation for their innovative programming and performances, which often featured collaborations with composers and other artists. Hillier's work with the Theatre of Voices helped to expand the boundaries of choral music and bring it to new audiences. Throughout his career, Hillier has also worked as a conductor and educator. He has conducted numerous orchestras and choirs around the world, including the BBC Singers, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. He has also taught at several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Copenhagen. Hillier's contributions to the world of choral music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog by the Queen of Denmark for his contributions to Danish music. He has also received several Grammy nominations for his recordings, including a nomination for Best Choral Performance in 2010. One of Hillier's most notable performances was his 2005 collaboration with composer Steve Reich on the album "You Are (Variations)." The album featured Hillier's Theatre of Voices performing Reich's compositions, which were based on a text by the Jewish philosopher and theologian Martin Buber. The album was widely praised for its innovative approach to choral music and its exploration of themes of spirituality and human connection. Another highlight of Hillier's career was his work on the album "Officium," which he recorded with the Hilliard Ensemble in 1994. The album featured the group performing medieval music alongside jazz saxophonist Jan Garbarek. The album was a commercial and critical success, and it helped to bring early music to a wider audience. In addition to his work as a performer and conductor, Hillier has also written several books on music and choral singing. His book "A New History of the Organ" is considered a seminal work in the field of organ history, and his book "The Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy" is widely used as a textbook in choral conducting programs. Overall, Paul Hillier's contributions to the world of choral music have been significant and far-reaching. His innovative programming and collaborations have helped to expand the boundaries of the genre, and his work as a conductor and educator has inspired countless musicians around the world. Hillier's legacy as a performer, conductor, and scholar will undoubtedly continue to influence the world of choral music for generations to come.

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