Role

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Composer Conductor  

 

Jonathan Rathbone is a British composer, arranger, and conductor who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 14, 1957, in London, England, Rathbone grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional violinist, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Rathbone showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Rathbone's musical education began at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied composition, conducting, and piano. He later went on to study at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a degree in music. During his time at Cambridge, Rathbone was a member of the renowned King's College Choir, where he sang as a tenor. After completing his studies, Rathbone began his career as a composer and arranger. He worked as a freelance arranger for various orchestras and choirs, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Singers. In 1988, he joined the a cappella group The Swingle Singers as a tenor and arranger. The group, which was founded in 1962, was known for its innovative arrangements of classical music and jazz standards. During his time with The Swingle Singers, Rathbone made significant contributions to the group's repertoire. He arranged many of the group's most popular songs, including "Flight of the Bumblebee," "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "The Barber of Seville." He also composed several original pieces for the group, including "The Seasons" and "The Elements." In 1997, Rathbone left The Swingle Singers to pursue a career as a freelance composer and arranger. Since then, he has worked with a wide range of artists and ensembles, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked with many choirs, including the King's Singers, the BBC Singers, and the Choir of King's College, Cambridge. Rathbone's compositions and arrangements are known for their intricate harmonies and innovative use of vocal textures. He has a particular talent for arranging classical music for a cappella groups, and many of his arrangements have become staples of the choral repertoire. Some of his most popular arrangements include "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In addition to his work as a composer and arranger, Rathbone is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted many choirs and orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. He has also conducted many of his own compositions and arrangements, including his "Requiem" and "Magnificat." Rathbone's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with many awards and honors. In 2005, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to music. He has also been awarded the John Lennon Songwriting Award and the Ivor Novello Award for his compositions and arrangements. Today, Rathbone continues to work as a freelance composer, arranger, and conductor. He is in high demand as a guest conductor and has conducted many choirs and orchestras around the world. He also continues to compose and arrange music, and his works are regularly performed by choirs and orchestras around the world.

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