Bo Holten was born in Denmark in 1948. Originally trained as a musicologist at the University of Copenhagen, and as a bassoonist at the Royal Academy of Music, Holten began his career as a music educator and critic in Copenhagen. Later he would achieve international recognition as a conductor, composer, and early music specialist. Founder of the vocal groups Ars Nova (est. 1979) and, more recently, Musica Ficta, Holten has made numerous recordings and concert appearances with these and other prestigious ensembles, and since 1991 has regularly conducted London's BBC Singers. Among his many honors and awards are the Herman Sandby Prize (1980), the Rostrum of Composers (1982), the Danish Composers Association's Anniversary Grant (1983), The Art Council's Production Reward (1984), and the Mogens Wöldike Prize (1984).
His impressive oeuvre encompasses works for orchestra (including symphonies and concerti), chamber ensemble, solo instruments, voice, a cappella and accompanied chorus, the operatic stage, musical theater, film, and television. Among his best-known compositions are the Sinfonia concertante (cello and orchestra) and The Marriage of Heaven and Hell for a cappella choir, based on texts by William Blake.
Holten's musical style, richly informed by actual musical practice, is both exuberant and highly accessible. His scores are published by Edition Wilhelm Hansen.
For further information:
Bo Holten web pages (Edition Wilhelm Hansen).
Musical excerpt:
Excerpts from Sinfonia concertante and Clarinet Concerto.
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