John Rutter was born in London in 1945. After serving as a chorister at Highgate School, he enrolled as a student of music at Clare College, Cambridge, where he would later serve as music director (1975–79). In 1981 he founded the Cambridge Singers, an ensemble which is known throughout the world for its professional excellence and for the impeccable quality of its many recordings.
As a composer, Rutter has explored an impressive variety of media and genres. In addition to his widely admired and performed choral music, including a Requiem (1985) and Magnificat (1990), he has written numerous works for orchestra, a piano concerto, operas, and music for television. Rutter also pursues an active career as a conductor and lecturer.
One of the most successful of contemporary composers, Rutter has been the recipient of numerous honors in his homeland and abroad. His work, finely crafted and firmly rooted in the great Western tonal tradition, is eminently accessible and continues to attract the attention of both professional and amateur performing ensembles throughout the world.
John Rutter's letter of acknowledgment to the Delian Society.
For further information:
John Rutter Biography (CollegiumUSA).
Musical excerpt:
Excerpt from Requiem, Oxford University Press.
Publications:
Catalog of Instrumental Works (Oxford).
Recordings:
