Paris names British chorus chief
OrchestrasThe Orchestra de Paris has appointed Richard Wilberforce as its chorus conductor for the next three years.
A former countertenor, Wilberforce is presently music director of Cambridge University Symphony Chorus and English Voices.
He has worked with the Paris music director Klaus Mäkelä on Le Soleil des eaux by Pierre Boulez. He has also acted as chorus director for Emmanuelle Haïm at Le Concert d’Astrée.
He follows another distinguished British Chorus Director at the Orchestre de Paris. That chorus was founded by Arthur Oldham at Barenboim’s request and he directed it for about 25 years. Perhaps now a lesser known figure in UK music circles, in 1965 he was asked by Lord Harewood and Alexander Gibson to assemble and train a chorus for the opening concert of the Edinburgh Festival for Mahler’s 8th Symphony. The chorus went on to become one of the gems of succeeding Festivals. He also was Chorus Director at Scottish Opera for several years and later with the LSO prior to his work in Paris. He also founded and worked with the Concertgebouw Chorus. He and his work should not be forgotten.
All of us at Cambridge are thrilled for Richard – he’s done a fabulous job at the helm of our Symphony Chorus over the last few years. Many congratulations Richard!
Great guy great appointment