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Composer

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Orchestral

 

G.H. Willcocks was a British composer and conductor who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 30, 1919, in Newquay, Cornwall, Willcocks showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He was also a chorister at Westminster Abbey, where he developed a love for choral music. Willcocks attended Clifton College in Bristol, where he continued to study music and became a proficient organist. He went on to study at King's College, Cambridge, where he was a member of the choir and studied under the renowned composer Boris Ord. Willcocks graduated with a degree in music in 1941. After completing his studies, Willcocks served in the British Army during World War II. He was stationed in India, where he continued to play the organ and conduct choirs. After the war, he returned to England and began his career as a conductor and composer. Willcocks was appointed the organist and choirmaster at Salisbury Cathedral in 1950, where he remained for five years. During his time at Salisbury, he composed several works for the choir, including anthems, canticles, and hymns. He also conducted the choir in numerous performances and recordings. In 1956, Willcocks was appointed the director of music at King's College, Cambridge, a position he held for 17 years. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the choir's repertoire and established the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which has become a beloved Christmas tradition around the world. Willcocks also conducted the choir in numerous recordings, including the famous recording of Handel's Messiah, which has sold millions of copies. In addition to his work at King's College, Willcocks was a prolific composer. He wrote music for choir, orchestra, and organ, and his works have been performed and recorded by some of the world's leading musicians and ensembles. Some of his most famous works include the hymn tune "Irby," which is set to the words of "Once in Royal David's City," and the carol "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day." Willcocks was also a respected conductor, and he led many of the world's leading orchestras and choirs. He was the conductor of the Bach Choir from 1960 to 1998, and he also conducted the London Bach Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. Throughout his career, Willcocks received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to music. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1971 and was knighted in 1977. He was also awarded the Queen's Medal for Music in 2010. G.H. Willcocks died on September 17, 2015, at the age of 95. His legacy as a composer, conductor, and champion of choral music lives on through his many recordings and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced throughout his career.

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