Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

May 19, 1949 in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, England

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Stephen Varcoe is a renowned British baritone singer and music educator, known for his exceptional performances of classical music. Born on 1st August 1949 in London, England, Varcoe grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Varcoe showed a keen interest in music and began singing in his school choir. Varcoe's musical education began at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied under the tutelage of renowned vocal coach, Hervey Alan. He later continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he received a scholarship to study with the renowned baritone, Norman Bailey. In 1973, Varcoe made his professional debut as a soloist with the English Baroque Soloists, under the direction of Sir John Eliot Gardiner. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in classical music. Over the years, Varcoe has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. One of Varcoe's most notable performances was his portrayal of the role of Christ in Bach's St. Matthew Passion, which he performed with the English Baroque Soloists in 1989. The performance was widely acclaimed, and Varcoe's interpretation of the role was praised for its emotional depth and sensitivity. In addition to his work as a performer, Varcoe is also a highly respected music educator. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the University of Southampton. He is known for his passionate and engaging teaching style, and many of his students have gone on to successful careers in classical music. Throughout his career, Varcoe has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to classical music. In 1994, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He has also been awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Singer Award, the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording, and the Diapason d'Or award. Despite his many achievements, Varcoe remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and teach, and his passion for classical music is as strong as ever. His contributions to the world of classical music have been immeasurable, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest baritone singers of his generation.

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