Role

:

Conductor  

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Symphony

 

Douglas Lawrence is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of choral music. He was born on 22nd September 1950 in Melbourne, Australia. From a young age, Lawrence showed a keen interest in music, and he began his musical journey by learning to play the piano. He later joined the choir at his local church, where he discovered his passion for choral music. Lawrence's musical journey continued when he enrolled at the University of Melbourne, where he studied music and choral conducting. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1972 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the same institution. During his time at the University of Melbourne, Lawrence was a member of the Melbourne University Choral Society, where he honed his skills as a choral conductor. After completing his studies, Lawrence began his career as a choral conductor, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented conductors in Australia. He was appointed as the conductor of the Melbourne University Choral Society in 1974, a position he held for over a decade. During his tenure, Lawrence led the choir in numerous performances, including the Australian premiere of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem. In 1986, Lawrence was appointed as the conductor of the Australian Boys Choir, a position he held for over 30 years. Under his leadership, the choir became one of the most respected and renowned boys' choirs in the world. Lawrence's dedication and commitment to the choir were recognized when he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2003 for his services to music. Throughout his career, Lawrence has conducted numerous choral works, including Handel's Messiah, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, and Mozart's Requiem. He has also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. One of the highlights of Lawrence's career was his performance at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He conducted the Australian Boys Choir and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in a performance of the Olympic Hymn, which was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world. In addition to his work as a conductor, Lawrence is also a respected composer and arranger. He has composed numerous choral works, including his acclaimed Requiem for the Fallen, which was premiered in 2015. He has also arranged many works for choir, including his arrangement of the Australian national anthem, which is widely performed at national events. Lawrence's contributions to the world of choral music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In addition to his Medal of the Order of Australia, he has been awarded the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award, the Australian Music Centre's Award for Vocal/Choral Work of the Year, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Melbourne. Despite his many achievements, Lawrence remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to inspire and mentor young musicians, and his passion for choral music is evident in every performance he conducts. His legacy as one of Australia's most talented and respected choral conductors is secure, and his contributions to the world of music will be remembered for generations to come.

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