Role

:

Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

May 24, 1960 in London, England

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Paul McCreesh is a renowned conductor and early music specialist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on 24 January 1960 in London, McCreesh grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He later studied music at the University of Manchester and the Royal Northern College of Music, where he specialized in conducting. McCreesh's interest in early music began during his time at university, where he was introduced to the works of composers such as Monteverdi and Bach. He went on to study early music performance practice at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, where he was mentored by the renowned conductor and musicologist, Nikolaus Harnoncourt. In 1982, McCreesh founded the Gabrieli Consort & Players, an ensemble dedicated to the performance of early music. The group quickly gained a reputation for their innovative and historically informed performances, and McCreesh became known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. Over the years, McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort & Players have performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the Lincoln Center in New York. They have also collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. One of McCreesh's most notable achievements was his performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion at the Proms in 2000. The performance, which featured the Gabrieli Consort & Players and the Wrocław Philharmonic Choir, was widely praised for its emotional intensity and its faithful adherence to Bach's original score. McCreesh has also been recognized for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1999, he was awarded the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording for his recording of Handel's Messiah. He has also been awarded the Diapason d'Or, the Edison Award, and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. In addition to his work with the Gabrieli Consort & Players, McCreesh has also conducted a number of other orchestras and ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music, the English Concert, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. He has also worked with a number of leading soloists, including Emma Kirkby, Andreas Scholl, and Ian Bostridge. McCreesh's repertoire is wide-ranging, and he has conducted everything from early music to contemporary works. He is particularly known for his interpretations of Bach, Handel, and Monteverdi, and has recorded a number of their works with the Gabrieli Consort & Players. In recent years, McCreesh has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, experimenting with new forms of performance and collaboration. In 2016, he collaborated with the dance company Rambert to create a new production of Bach's St John Passion, which was performed at Sadler's Wells in London. McCreesh's dedication to the performance of early music has helped to bring this often-overlooked genre to a wider audience. His meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to historical accuracy have set a new standard for early music performance, and his innovative approach to classical music has inspired a new generation of musicians and music lovers.

More....