About
Richard Wilberforce trained at St John’s College, Cambridge and the Royal College of Music, where he was the recipient of a number of awards.
“Richard Wilberforce trained at St John’s College, Cambridge and the Royal College of Music, where he was the recipient of a number of awards. His career as a countertenor led him to sing solo roles in many of Europe’s principal opera houses, such as the Staatsoper unter den Linden, the Tiroler Landestheater Innsbruck, the Théâtre du Capitole and the Grand Théâtre de Provence. He continues to sing regularly with the Monteverdi Choir.
He was for five years Director of the Hallé Youth Choir, working closely with Sir Mark Elder, and continues to work with many of the UK’s leading choirs, including, the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus as Chorus Master, the Exon Singers as Conductor and Artistic Director, and English Voices as Associate Artistic Director, as well as guest directing the London Philharmonic Choir, the BBC Symphony Chorus, and the Huddersfield Choral Society. Richard shares his time between the UK and Paris, where he conducts the Jeune Choeur de Paris and Maîtrise de Paris, and teaches choral direction at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Paris. His work in France has led him to chorus master productions at the Philharmonie de Paris, the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, and the Opéra de Rouen. “
“”
Under its new director, Richard Wilberforce, the Hallé Youth Choir was especially impressive.
Author
The Telegraph
Recordings
“”
The highlight came when the Hallé Youth Choir gathered […] Near me a group of women had a little cry when the choir sang Jerusalem. It was that special.
Helen Pidd
The Guardian
Engagements
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PAST CONCERTS
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Works
SACRED
SA + piano The Oxen Boosey & Hawkes
SATB Remember Bethlehem
2017 Remember Bethlehem SATB Carol commissioned by Scottish Chamber Orchestra
(4’, text by composer) Chorus. Published by RSCM Press, with over 1500
copies sold since October 2017.
2017 My Musick Shine SATB Carol commissioned by Westminster School Choir for
(5’, text: George Herbert) a CD recording (Priory). Published by RSCM Press.
2016 The Vigil SATB & pn. Carol commissioned by Dorking Choral Society.
(3’30”, text by composer) Published by RSCM Press.
2016 The Shepherds’ Song SATB & pn. Carol commissioned by Leeds Philharmonic Society.14
(4’, text by composer) performances in 2016, such as in RAH, Harvard and
Leeds Town Hall. Published by Boosey & Hawkes.
2016 My Soul There is a Country SATB & org. Hymn commissioned by the Exon Singers for release
(3’, text: Vaughan) on their CD, Before the ending of the day (Rubicon)
2016 Opening Responses SATB Commissioned by the Exon Singers for release on
(1’, text: Common Prayer) their CD, Before the ending of the day (Rubicon)
2013 O nata lux SATB Commissioned by the Exon Singers for a BBCR3
(4’, text: anon from 10thC.) broadcast of Choral Evensong from Buckfast Abbey
2010 The Incredulity of St Thomas SATB Commissioned by St John’s College, Cambridge and
(5’, John 20) Choir & Organmagazine, published online
2007 He hath shewed thee SATB Commissioned by St John’s College, Cambridge for
(3’, text: Micah 6) the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade.
2007 Deep River ATB Commissioned by the Gentlemen of St John’s,
(4’, text: spiritual) recorded on their CD, Indulgence (2015)
2005 Telling God’s Story SATB Carol commissioned by St John’s College Cambridge
(4’, text: Lain-Priestly) for their BBCR3 broadcast of Advent Carols
CHORAL
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Commission a brand new work for your choir
If you director a choir, or sing in one, then I’d love to write a piece for you and your group. If you are interested in commissioning a new work, please do get in touch via the contacts page.
For rates and availability:
Discography
Composer: The Song of Shadows
Trinity Boys Choir
David Swinson
Composer: My Musick Shine
Choir of Westminster School
Timothy Garrard
Countertenor: Stabat Mater (Macmillan)
The Sixteen
Britten Sinfonia
Harry Christophers
Conductor: Before the Ending of the Day
The Exon Singers
Richard Wilberforce
Chorus Master: Parsifal (Wagner)
Hallé Youth Choir
Royal Opera Chorus
Trinity Boys Choir
Hallé Orchestra
Mark Elder
Chorus Master : A Celestial Map of the Sky (O’Regan)
Hallé Youth Choir, Manchester Grammar School Choir
Mark Elder, Hallé Orchestra
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