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John Rhys Evans, better known as John Rutter, is a British composer, conductor, and arranger of choral music. He was born on September 24, 1945, in London, England, to a musical family. His father was a professional singer and his mother was a pianist. Rutter showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Rutter attended Highgate School in London, where he was a chorister in the school choir. He went on to study music at Clare College, Cambridge, where he was a member of the choir and studied under composer and conductor David Willcocks. Rutter graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968 and a Master of Arts degree in 1972. After completing his studies, Rutter worked as a music teacher and composer. He became the director of music at Clare College in 1975 and held the position until 1979. During his time at Clare College, Rutter founded the Cambridge Singers, a professional choir that specializes in choral music. The choir has recorded over 100 albums and has performed all over the world. Rutter's music is known for its accessibility and popularity. He has composed a wide range of choral music, including anthems, carols, and larger works such as requiems and cantatas. His music is often performed at Christmas concerts and has become a staple of the holiday season. One of Rutter's most famous works is his setting of the Christmas carol "Joy to the World." The piece features a lively and upbeat arrangement of the traditional carol and has become a favorite of choirs and audiences around the world. Rutter has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to choral music. In 2007, he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Durham and the University of East Anglia. In addition to his work as a composer, Rutter is also a respected conductor. He has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras and choirs, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Rutter's music has been performed at many major events, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. His setting of the hymn "This is the Day" was performed during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Rutter continues to compose and conduct music, and his work remains popular with choirs and audiences around the world. His contributions to choral music have earned him a place among the most respected and beloved classical music artists of his generation.

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