Role

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Composer Conductor

Period

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Contemporary

 

Stephen Darlington is a renowned British conductor, organist, and academic who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on September 14, 1952, in Oxford, England, Darlington grew up in a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age. He attended Magdalen College School in Oxford and later studied music at Christ Church, Oxford, where he was a chorister and organ scholar. Darlington's interest in choral music was sparked during his time at Christ Church, where he sang in the choir and played the organ. He went on to study at the Royal College of Music in London, where he earned a diploma in organ performance. He also studied conducting with Sir Adrian Boult and Sir Charles Mackerras. In 1976, Darlington was appointed the organist and master of the choristers at St. Alban's Cathedral, a position he held for 18 years. During his tenure, he established the St. Alban's International Organ Festival, which has become one of the most prestigious organ competitions in the world. He also conducted the cathedral choir in numerous recordings and performances, including a critically acclaimed recording of Handel's Messiah. In 1994, Darlington was appointed the director of music at Christ Church, Oxford, where he oversaw the college's renowned choir and conducted numerous concerts and recordings. He also served as a professor of music at the university and was awarded a doctorate in music in 2001. Throughout his career, Darlington has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras and choirs, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. He has also conducted at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, and Carnegie Hall. One of Darlington's most notable achievements was his work on the soundtrack for the 1998 film Elizabeth, which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. He also conducted the choir for the film's sequel, Elizabeth: The Golden Age. In addition to his work as a conductor, Darlington is a respected academic and has published numerous articles and books on music and musicology. He has also served as a visiting professor at several universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Melbourne. Darlington has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Order of the British Empire in 2011 for his services to music. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Oxford in 2012. Despite his many accomplishments, Darlington remains dedicated to his work as a conductor and continues to inspire audiences around the world with his passion for music. His contributions to the world of classical music have earned him a place among the most respected and influential musicians of his generation.

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