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The Choir of New College
Oxford
is one of the few Oxbridge choirs that has survived demolition
from reformers, bursars and iconoclasts; it is still largely what it was in the
late 14th century when William of Wykeham set up his
‘New’ College: a group of 16 choristers and a number of clerks, these days none
any longer in holy orders. At the same time, the Choir belongs firmly to the
present. Its broad discography extends to all corners of the sacred choral
repertory, and the quality of its work has been acknowledged by a number of
important awards and nominations. The timbre of the Choir is very recognisable,
as is the energy and musicality of its performances. It travels extensively,
both within Europe and further afield. The experience offered its young
choristers and choral scholars affords it a unique place in music education in
the UK.
Edward Higginbottom
Professor of Choral Music in the University of Oxford, Edward Higginbottom is one the UK’s top choral directors. His work with New College Choir has covered a particularly wide range of music. He is an expert in the performance of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical choral repertory, where his discography is particularly strong. But he has also engaged in the 20th-century and contemporary fields, and a number of highly successful recordings bear witness to his skills in these areas. As a musicologist, he has made it his business to research and perform unusual repertory. At the same time, he has made highly acclaimed recordings of many of the choral ‘standards’, such as Haydn’s Creation, Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s St John Passion, Monteverdi’s Vespers and Mozart’s Requiem. He has worked with many leading instrumental ensembles, including The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, The Academy of Ancient Music and The European Union Baroque Orchestra.
For a time he was involved in the re-establishment of choir schools in France, and received the decoration Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government for this and his advocacy of French music, particularly of the baroque period. His work often takes him abroad, either directing New College Choir, or as a guest conductor. His approach to choral timbre and style has produced what many call the ‘New College sound’.
Professor of Choral Music in the University of Oxford, Edward Higginbottom is one the UK’s top choral directors. His work with New College Choir has covered a particularly wide range of music. He is an expert in the performance of Renaissance, Baroque and Classical choral repertory, where his discography is particularly strong. But he has also engaged in the 20th-century and contemporary fields, and a number of highly successful recordings bear witness to his skills in these areas. As a musicologist, he has made it his business to research and perform unusual repertory. At the same time, he has made highly acclaimed recordings of many of the choral ‘standards’, such as Haydn’s Creation, Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s St John Passion, Monteverdi’s Vespers and Mozart’s Requiem. He has worked with many leading instrumental ensembles, including The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, The Academy of Ancient Music and The European Union Baroque Orchestra.
For a time he was involved in the re-establishment of choir schools in France, and received the decoration Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government for this and his advocacy of French music, particularly of the baroque period. His work often takes him abroad, either directing New College Choir, or as a guest conductor. His approach to choral timbre and style has produced what many call the ‘New College sound’.
Reviews
"...the young boys who make up this choir produce a wonderfully fresh sound: the rigorous daily training they receive from the age of eight puts them in the forefront of a tradition going back centuries, whose survival into this irreligious age is a miracle in itself."
Michael Church, The Independent, 1 October 2010
“… a fine recording … Having crack boy sopranos is crucial, and Mr. Higginbottom has them …”
Messiah - New York Times, 15 December 2006
“They brought a program … that was beautifully structured, beautifully paced and beautifully sung.”
Concert, Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC - The Washington Post, 5 April 2005
“… here [the New College trebles] show how much young singers can achieve in the way of cohesiveness, coherence and sheer persuasiveness of melodic shape. More please."
Ludford: Missa Benedicta et Venerabilis - The Gramophone, 2007
“Performances are exemplary … and show New College on the top of its form … a stunning set of trebles.”
Ludford: Missa Benedicta et Venerabilis - Goldberg Early Music, 2007
“This is one of the most sublime choral records I have ever heard.”
Agnus Dei - The Organist’s Review
“The standard singing is quite superb, and the unique track listing gives this special album the broadest possible appeal.”
Agnus Dei - The Gramophone
“The choir of New College, Oxford is one of the best commercial recording choirs of our age – and has one of the most impressive discographies.”
Church Music Quarterly
"...the young boys who make up this choir produce a wonderfully fresh sound: the rigorous daily training they receive from the age of eight puts them in the forefront of a tradition going back centuries, whose survival into this irreligious age is a miracle in itself."
Michael Church, The Independent, 1 October 2010
“… a fine recording … Having crack boy sopranos is crucial, and Mr. Higginbottom has them …”
Messiah - New York Times, 15 December 2006
“They brought a program … that was beautifully structured, beautifully paced and beautifully sung.”
Concert, Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC - The Washington Post, 5 April 2005
“… here [the New College trebles] show how much young singers can achieve in the way of cohesiveness, coherence and sheer persuasiveness of melodic shape. More please."
Ludford: Missa Benedicta et Venerabilis - The Gramophone, 2007
“Performances are exemplary … and show New College on the top of its form … a stunning set of trebles.”
Ludford: Missa Benedicta et Venerabilis - Goldberg Early Music, 2007
“This is one of the most sublime choral records I have ever heard.”
Agnus Dei - The Organist’s Review
“The standard singing is quite superb, and the unique track listing gives this special album the broadest possible appeal.”
Agnus Dei - The Gramophone
“The choir of New College, Oxford is one of the best commercial recording choirs of our age – and has one of the most impressive discographies.”
Church Music Quarterly
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