Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

June 6, 1942 in West Bridgeford, England

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Paul Esswood is a renowned countertenor and one of the most celebrated classical music artists of the 20th century. Born on June 6, 1942, in Leeds, England, Esswood grew up in a musical family and began singing at a young age. He attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied voice and early music. Esswood's career took off in the 1960s when he became a member of the Deller Consort, a group that specialized in performing early music. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional vocal range and expressive interpretation of baroque and renaissance music. Esswood's unique voice, which combines the power and clarity of a tenor with the warmth and richness of a mezzo-soprano, made him a sought-after performer in the world of classical music. In 1967, Esswood made his debut at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in England, where he performed the role of Oberon in Benjamin Britten's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The performance was a huge success, and Esswood's career took off. He went on to perform in many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Paris Opera. Esswood's repertoire includes a wide range of music, from early baroque to contemporary works. He is particularly known for his performances of Handel's operas and oratorios, which he has recorded extensively. His recordings of "Messiah," "Israel in Egypt," and "Saul" are considered some of the finest interpretations of Handel's music. In addition to his work in opera and oratorio, Esswood has also performed in many concerts and recitals. He has collaborated with some of the world's leading conductors and orchestras, including Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and the English Baroque Soloists. Esswood has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1975, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to music. He has also been awarded the Handel Prize by the City of Halle in Germany and the Medal of Honor by the City of Leipzig. Despite his many achievements, Esswood remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform and record, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest countertenors of all time. His unique voice and expressive interpretation of music have inspired generations of musicians and music lovers around the world.

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