Role

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Composer Conductor  

Birth

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September 3, 1959 in Guernsey, Channel Islands, England

 

Andrew Lawrence-King is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of early music. He was born on September 22, 1954, in Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK. He grew up in a musical family, and his father was a church organist. Lawrence-King started playing the harp at the age of nine and quickly developed a passion for music. Lawrence-King studied music at the University of Oxford, where he earned a degree in musicology. He also studied harp with Frances Kelly and later with Mara Galassi in Milan. He became interested in early music and started playing the harp in historical performance contexts. He also learned to play other early music instruments such as the psaltery, lute, and baroque guitar. In 1979, Lawrence-King co-founded the Harp Consort, an ensemble that specializes in early music. The ensemble has performed in major concert halls and festivals around the world, including the Wigmore Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Boston Early Music Festival. The Harp Consort has also recorded several albums, including "Carolan's Harp," "Spanish Gold," and "Luz y Norte." Lawrence-King has also collaborated with other early music ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music, the English Baroque Soloists, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. He has performed with renowned conductors such as Christopher Hogwood, John Eliot Gardiner, and Jordi Savall. One of Lawrence-King's most significant achievements was his role in the revival of the baroque opera "L'Orfeo" by Claudio Monteverdi. In 1984, he played the harp in a groundbreaking production of the opera at the Royal Opera House in London. The production was directed by Peter Hall and conducted by John Eliot Gardiner. It was the first time that "L'Orfeo" had been performed in its original form since the 17th century. The production was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish Lawrence-King as a leading figure in the early music world. Lawrence-King has also been recognized for his contributions to early music. In 2008, he was awarded the prestigious Early Music Award by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors. The award recognized his "outstanding contribution to the early music scene in the UK and internationally." Lawrence-King has also been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. In addition to his work as a performer, Lawrence-King is also a respected scholar and teacher. He has written several books on early music, including "The Harp and the Shakespearean Stage" and "The Creative Performer in Early Music." He has also taught at several universities and conservatories, including the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland. Lawrence-King continues to perform and record with the Harp Consort and other early music ensembles. He is also involved in several research projects, including the study of historical performance practices and the development of new instruments. He is a passionate advocate for early music and has helped to inspire a new generation of musicians to explore this rich and fascinating repertoire. In conclusion, Andrew Lawrence-King is a highly respected and influential figure in the world of early music. His contributions as a performer, scholar, and teacher have helped to shape the field and inspire countless musicians and audiences around the world.

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