The King's Singers Symphony Pops

Individual Biographies

David Hurley, countertenor; Timothy Wayne-Wright, countertenor
Paul Phoenix, tenor; Philip Lawson, baritone
Christopher Gabbitas, baritone; Stephen Connolly, bass

DAVID HURLEY, countertenor, Now in my eighteenth year as a King's Singer, I continue to enjoy my life as an itinerant musician, traveling around the world to an enormous variety of concert venues. My future life as a singer was kick-started when in 1970, aged 7 and a half, I was offered the choice by my parents of watching Southampton's soccer team, or attending the choir trials for Winchester Cathedral Choir. I chose the latter, setting into action a chain of events, which leads me here today. Having said that, I can't help feeling that if my choice had been different, I would not be reflecting on a career in soccer! After three years at Oxford University, I began my life as a professional singer, which led me into my current position on the right wing of the King's Singers. Away from the concert platform, I love being at home with my wife, Sarah, where we are constantly trying to tame our rather wild garden. When time and weather permit, I like to spend time sailing my boat, which is very like being a member of The King's Singers - hard work, with a lot of time spent making sure everything is in order, but capable of providing wonderful moments of happiness and satisfaction.

TIMOTHY WAYNE WRIGHT, countertenor, Born in Chelmsford, my first experience of singing was as a boy chorister at the age of 7 in the local Cathedral. It was here that I first heard The King's Singers, and it left a very lasting impression on me. I was amazed to see how 6 singers on the stage could entertain hundreds of people, and all without any accompaniment! My passion for singing carried on throughout my teens and in 2001 I began studying at Goldsmith's College, part of the University of London. After this music degree, I was given an award to study for a Postgraduate Diploma at Trinity College of Music. During this time I also became a Choral Scholar at the Royal Naval College Chapel in Greenwich, as well as singing services at places such as St. Paul's and Rochester Cathedrals. This was a very important time for me vocally and am forever indebted to my teacher, Timothy Travers-Brown, who worked so hard with me on technique and stage craft.

In 2006, I auditioned for the prestigious position of Lay Clerk at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Living in the castle was wonderful, and after having been there for only 2 years, I was asked to audition for The King's Singers job. To say that this opportunity came as a surprise is the understatement of the century!! Two auditions later I found myself being offered the job and am now about to embark on the most musically exciting time of my life. I am thrilled about the sheer breadth of musical genres that the group embodies and will fully embrace this rare opportunity to work with some of the world's finest musicians.

PAUL PHOENIX, tenor, Passing 10 years with the King's Singers represents a milestone for me in several respects: firstly that I'm still here and enjoying it so much. Secondly that my thirties have been spent traveling the globe singing in some of the world's greatest performance venues, and thirdly that I'm privileged to be a member of the group during its 40th anniversary year.

However, the last few years have not just been exciting musically, but also personally. I love the time between tours at home with my wife Helena, taking William, now 11 and Edward, 7, to school and being part of a vibrant rural community near Cambridge. Keeping fit has taken on a new significance (something to do with turning 40!), and running in as many different countries as possible is a personal goal – my score currently stands at 20. My love of cars and motoring remains as strong as ever, and I recently bought my dream car. I won't describe it as a mid-life crisis sports car, but as a mid-life opportunity. Here's to the next ten years!

PHILIP LAWSON, baritone, I become an instant fan of the King's Singers when I saw them perform on the BBC's daytime chat show, "Pebble Mill at One" back in 1974. To have imagined then that twenty years later I would be a member of the group would have been unthinkable. Still, in 1982, having gained a music degree at York and three years' experience of freelance singing in London, I found myself singing in Salisbury Cathedral choir, alongside Jamie Carrington, son of Simon Carrington, a founder member of the King's Singers. I received a phone call from Simon on his retirement in 1993, inviting me to audition for his job, and the rest is history!

While in Salisbury, I had been lay clerk in the Cathedral Choir, school Music Director and pianist/arranger for a jazz band. This job is certainly different, although I still get to teach when we do workshops, and to indulge my lifelong passion for composing and arranging. After 14 years and well over 1000 concerts I still wouldn't want to do anything else. My family of supportive wife and three lovely daughters keep telling me all the traveling is alright with them, and since it puts thousands of miles between me and the constant nagging of four women, it’s fine by me too!

CHRIS GABBITAS, baritone, Born in Cornwall and raised in Kent, I am realizing an early ambition in being a member of the King's Singers, having been raised by my parents listening to the original group. My musical education began as a chorister at Rochester Cathedral, and continued through school and university where I sang both as a choral scholar in the choir of St. John's College, Cambridge and as a lay clerk at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, whilst pursuing law studies. I worked for a time as a solicitor in the City of London, while also a member of the choir of the Temple Church (made famous by the entirely fictional "Da Vinci Code.") In 2003 I successfully auditioned for second baritone within the King's Singers, joining in 2004. I am thrilled to be part of this incredible group, particularly enjoying the variety of music and travel opportunities this brings, as well as being able to work with some of the finest musicians in the world. My home is in Greenwich, London, with a wonderfully supportive wife, Stephanie, and our cats, Sebastian and Amelia, waiting to greet me every time I return from tour.

STEPHEN CONNOLLY, bass, As I am writing this, it occurs to me that this year I will celebrate my 20th anniversary with the King's Singers. It has been the most thrilling experience a singer could ever imagine. Not only to be fortunate enough to travel and sing around the globe, but also to be a co-director of one of the world's most exciting vocal ensembles. My journey started as a boy Chorister in Leeds, Yorkshire where I grew up. At the age of 18, as a baritone, I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. After three years in London, at the tender age of 21, I had a chance to audition with the King's Singers and the rest is history. Having spent many years living in London, I now live in the South West of England in the beautiful county of Devon, where I love to return from time to time between our busy touring schedule to be a dad to my two teenage children and to make music with them when they let me. Music and singing has been a gift in my life and it is a pleasure to be able to give back and bring joy to those around me.

AMANDA AMEER - PUBLICIST
amanda@firstchairpromo.com