We are delighted to announce that Harry Christophers has been made an Honorary Fellow of Magdalen College. Harry came to Magdalen from the King’s School Canterbury in 1973. He joined the Choir as an Academical Clerk under Bernard Rose, then at the height of his powers as Informator Choristarum. He became a professional musician on graduation, singing as a Lay Vicar at Westminster Abbey.
Harry Christophers is known internationally as founder and conductor of The Sixteen as well as a regular guest conductor for many of the major symphony orchestras and opera companies worldwide. He has directed The Sixteen and its orchestra throughout Europe, America and the Far East gaining a distinguished reputation for his work in Renaissance, Baroque and twentieth century music. He has made a significant contribution to the recording catalogue (already comprising some ninety titles) for which he has won numerous awards including a Grand Prix du Disque for Handel’s Messiah, numerous Schallplattenkritik, the coveted Gramophone Award for Early Music and most recently, the prestigious Classical Brit Award 2005 for his disc entitled Renaissance. His CD IKON was nominated for a 2007 Grammy.
Magdalen College was a centre of excellence in the sixteenth century, with three of the era’s greatest composers – John Sheppard, Richard Davy and John Mason – holding the position of Informator Choristarum during a prolific period of English music. In 2007 Harry Christophers presented the unique Magdalen sound in sublime music from these composers, performed by The Magdalen Collection, all ex-Academical Clerks of Magdalen College.