Role

:

Conductor  

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

David Cordier is a renowned countertenor and early music specialist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on 12th May 1955 in Lancashire, England, Cordier grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. He was particularly drawn to the sound of the countertenor voice, which he discovered while listening to recordings of Alfred Deller and James Bowman. Cordier's early musical education was at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he studied voice with Patrick McGuigan. He later continued his studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, where he was mentored by the renowned countertenor, René Jacobs. It was during this time that Cordier developed his unique vocal style, which is characterized by its clarity, agility, and expressive power. Cordier's career as a professional musician began in the early 1980s, when he joined the ensemble Sequentia, which was founded by the musicologist and performer, Benjamin Bagby. With Sequentia, Cordier performed extensively throughout Europe and North America, specializing in the music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. He also made several recordings with the ensemble, including the critically acclaimed album, "Fragments for the End of Time," which features music from the 14th-century Codex Chantilly. In addition to his work with Sequentia, Cordier has collaborated with many other leading early music ensembles, including Hesperion XX, La Capella Reial de Catalunya, and the Hilliard Ensemble. He has also performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the English Baroque Soloists, the Academy of Ancient Music, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. One of Cordier's most notable performances was his portrayal of the title role in Handel's opera, "Giulio Cesare," which he performed at the Glyndebourne Festival in 1994. His performance was widely praised for its dramatic intensity and vocal virtuosity, and it helped to establish him as one of the leading countertenors of his generation. Cordier has also been recognized for his contributions to the field of early music. In 1997, he was awarded the prestigious Prix de la Fondation Royaumont, which is given annually to a musician who has made a significant contribution to the performance and study of early music. He has also been awarded the Diapason d'Or, the Gramophone Award, and the Edison Award for his recordings. Throughout his career, Cordier has remained committed to exploring the rich and diverse repertoire of early music. He has recorded music from a wide range of periods and styles, including medieval chant, Renaissance polyphony, and Baroque opera. His recordings are characterized by their meticulous attention to detail, their expressive power, and their profound musicality. In addition to his work as a performer and recording artist, Cordier has also been active as a teacher and mentor. He has taught at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Munich. He has also given masterclasses and workshops throughout Europe and North America, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of early music performers. In conclusion, David Cordier is a musician of exceptional talent and artistry, whose contributions to the world of classical music have been significant and far-reaching.

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