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Steven Rickards is a renowned countertenor and conductor in the world of classical music. Born on August 22, 1954, in San Francisco, California, Rickards grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a professional pianist, and his mother was a singer. Rickards began singing at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Rickards attended the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied voice and music theory. He later went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. During his time at Berkeley, Rickards became interested in early music and began to specialize in the performance of Baroque and Renaissance music. In 1978, Rickards joined the American Bach Soloists, a group dedicated to the performance of Baroque music. He quickly became one of the group's leading soloists, known for his powerful and expressive voice. Rickards also began to conduct the group, and in 1985, he was appointed the group's music director. Throughout his career, Rickards has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. He has appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among others. He has also worked with conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, and Nicholas McGegan. One of Rickards' most notable performances was his portrayal of the title role in Handel's opera "Giulio Cesare" at the San Francisco Opera in 1990. The performance was widely praised by critics, who noted Rickards' powerful voice and dramatic presence on stage. Rickards has also performed in many other operas, including Monteverdi's "L'Orfeo" and Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas." In addition to his work as a performer, Rickards is also a respected conductor. He has conducted many orchestras and choirs, including the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, the Handel and Haydn Society, and the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Rickards is known for his ability to bring out the best in his performers, and his conducting is often praised for its clarity and precision. Throughout his career, Rickards has received many awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1991, he was awarded the prestigious Handel Prize by the London Handel Society. He has also received the San Francisco Opera Medal, the Berkeley Medal, and the American Bach Soloists' Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite his many accomplishments, Rickards remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and conduct, and he is passionate about sharing his love of music with others. Rickards is a true master of his art, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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