Role

:

Composer Conductor

Birth

:

1977

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

Philip Stopford is a British composer and conductor who has gained international recognition for his choral works. Born in 1977 in Chester, England, Stopford showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later learned to play the organ and became a chorister at Chester Cathedral, where he developed a love for choral music. Stopford went on to study music at Oxford University, where he was a choral scholar at Keble College. He also studied conducting with David Hill and John Rutter, two prominent figures in the world of choral music. After completing his studies, Stopford worked as a freelance conductor and composer, and also served as the director of music at Christ Church, Bedford. Stopford's compositions are primarily choral works, and he has written music for both sacred and secular settings. His music is known for its accessibility and beauty, and has been performed by choirs around the world. Some of his most popular works include "Do Not Be Afraid," "Lully, Lulla, Lullay," and "A Christmas Blessing." One of Stopford's most notable works is his setting of "Ave Verum Corpus," a hymn that dates back to the 14th century. Stopford's version of the hymn is a beautiful and haunting piece that has become a staple in the choral repertoire. The piece has been performed by choirs around the world, and has been featured on several recordings. Stopford's music has also been featured in several films and television shows. His piece "In the Bleak Midwinter" was used in the film Love Actually, and his arrangement of "Silent Night" was featured in the television show Downton Abbey. In addition to his work as a composer, Stopford is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted choirs around the world, including the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, and the BBC Singers. He has also served as the director of music at several churches in England. Stopford's music has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2010, he was awarded the John Armitage Memorial Trust Award for his contribution to choral music. He has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards for his recordings with the Choir of St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, in New York City. Stopford continues to compose and conduct, and his music remains popular with choirs and audiences around the world. His work has helped to bring choral music to a wider audience, and has inspired countless musicians and singers.

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