Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

November 16, 1946 in Kendal, Westmorland, England

Genre

:

Choral

 

Edward Higginbottom is a renowned British conductor, organist, and musicologist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 11, 1946, in Lancashire, England, Higginbottom grew up in a musical family and showed an early interest in music. He began playing the piano at the age of five and later learned to play the organ. Higginbottom received his early education at the Royal Manchester College of Music, where he studied organ and choral conducting. He later went on to study musicology at Oxford University, where he earned his doctorate in 1975. During his time at Oxford, Higginbottom became interested in early music and began to specialize in the performance of Renaissance and Baroque music. In 1976, Higginbottom was appointed as the organist and choirmaster at New College, Oxford, a position he held for over thirty years. During his tenure at New College, Higginbottom established the choir as one of the leading choral ensembles in the world. He also recorded numerous albums with the choir, including works by composers such as William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, and Henry Purcell. Higginbottom's conducting career began to take off in the 1980s, and he became a sought-after conductor for early music ensembles around the world. He has conducted many of the leading orchestras and choirs in Europe, including the Academy of Ancient Music, the English Concert, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. He has also conducted in the United States, Japan, and Australia. One of Higginbottom's most significant achievements as a conductor was his work on the recording of Bach's complete sacred cantatas with the Choir of New College, Oxford. The project, which took over ten years to complete, was hailed as a landmark achievement in the performance of Bach's music. The recordings were released on the Novum label and received critical acclaim. Higginbottom has also been recognized for his contributions to musicology. He has written numerous articles and books on early music, including a study of the music of William Byrd. He has also edited several volumes of music by Byrd and other Renaissance composers. Throughout his career, Higginbottom has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. He has also been awarded honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of York and the University of Aberdeen. In addition to his work as a conductor and musicologist, Higginbottom is also an accomplished organist. He has performed recitals on some of the world's most famous organs, including the organs at Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Higginbottom retired from his position at New College, Oxford, in 2006, but he continues to be active in the world of classical music. He is a frequent guest conductor and lecturer and has served as a judge for several international music competitions. In conclusion, Edward Higginbottom is a highly respected figure in the world of classical music. His contributions as a conductor, organist, and musicologist have had a significant impact on the performance and study of early music. His recordings with the Choir of New College, Oxford, are considered some of the finest examples of Bach's sacred cantatas, and his work as a musicologist has shed new light on the music of William Byrd and other Renaissance composers.

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