Role

:

Conductor  

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

David Wulstan was a renowned British conductor, musicologist, and organist who dedicated his life to the study and performance of early music. Born on August 22, 1927, in London, Wulstan showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. He later took up the organ and became a chorister at St. Paul's Cathedral, where he received his early musical training. Wulstan went on to study music at the Royal College of Music in London, where he was awarded the prestigious Cobbett Prize for his outstanding performance in organ playing. He also studied conducting with Sir Adrian Boult and composition with Herbert Howells, two of the most prominent figures in British music at the time. After completing his studies, Wulstan began his career as a conductor and organist, performing with various orchestras and ensembles throughout the UK and Europe. He was particularly interested in early music, and he became known for his pioneering work in the field of historical performance practice. In 1959, Wulstan founded the Schola Cantorum of Oxford, a choir dedicated to the performance of early music. The choir quickly gained a reputation for its high standards of performance and its commitment to authenticity, and it became one of the leading ensembles in the field of early music. Under Wulstan's direction, the Schola Cantorum of Oxford performed at many prestigious venues and festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival, the Aldeburgh Festival, and the BBC Proms. The choir also made numerous recordings, many of which are still regarded as definitive interpretations of early music. In addition to his work with the Schola Cantorum of Oxford, Wulstan was also a prolific writer and musicologist. He published several books and articles on early music, including a groundbreaking study of the music of the English composer John Taverner. Wulstan's contributions to the field of early music were widely recognized, and he received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1983, he was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to music, and in 1997 he was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor by the City of Oxford. Despite his many achievements, Wulstan remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform and conduct well into his eighties, and he remained an inspiration to generations of musicians and music lovers. David Wulstan passed away on December 14, 2010, at the age of 83. His legacy lives on through his recordings, his writings, and the many musicians he inspired and mentored throughout his long and distinguished career.

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