Birth

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May 26, 1986 in Norwich, England

 

Kit Downes is a British jazz and classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a pianist, organist, and composer. Born on July 19, 1986, in Norwich, England, Downes grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended the Norwich School and later studied music at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Downes began his professional career as a jazz pianist, performing with various groups and musicians in the UK and Europe. In 2008, he released his debut album, "Golden," which was well-received by critics and established him as a rising star in the jazz world. The album featured Downes' original compositions as well as covers of jazz standards. In 2010, Downes was awarded the BBC Jazz Award for Rising Star, which further cemented his reputation as a talented and innovative musician. He continued to perform and record with various jazz groups, including his own trio, which released the album "Quiet Tiger" in 2011. Despite his success in the jazz world, Downes was also drawn to classical music and began exploring the possibilities of the organ. He became the organist at St. Edmundsbury Cathedral in Suffolk, England, in 2013, and began incorporating the instrument into his performances and compositions. In 2016, Downes released his first solo organ album, "Obsidian," which was praised for its innovative use of the instrument and its blend of classical and jazz influences. The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in British music. Downes continued to explore the possibilities of the organ, releasing the album "Tricko" in 2018, which featured his compositions for the instrument as well as improvisations and collaborations with other musicians. The album was well-received by critics and further established Downes as a leading figure in the world of contemporary classical music. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Downes has also been involved in music education and outreach. He has taught at the Royal Academy of Music and has led workshops and masterclasses for young musicians. He has also collaborated with visual artists and filmmakers, creating multimedia performances that combine music and other art forms. Throughout his career, Downes has been recognized for his innovative and boundary-pushing approach to music. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Composers in 2019. His work has been praised for its originality, creativity, and emotional depth, and he continues to be a leading figure in the world of contemporary music.

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