McCreesh, Paul

McCreesh, Paul , remarkable English conductor and music scholar; b. London, May 24, 1960. He received his education at the Univ. of Manchester, where he specialized in music, performance, and musicology (Mus.B., 1981). While still a student there, he formed his own chamber choir and period- instrument ensemble. In 1982 he founded the Gabrieli Consort and Players in London, which he molded into an outstanding choral and period-instrument ensemble, known for its extraordinary technical expertise and refinement. His bestselling recording of A Venetian Coronation 1595 in 1990 established his reputation. He conducted his ensemble throughout England, on British radio and television, and on tours of Europe. In 1997 he conducted his ensemble on a highly successful debut tour of the U.S., and was engaged to tour the U.S. with it in 1999. As both an interpreter and music scholar, McCreesh has brought insight and erudition to his handling of works from the Venetian High Renaissance and Baroque eras. While he sometimes provokes controversy, he always elicits respect and often accolades for his imaginative performances. He has recently appeared as a guest conductor of modern orchs. and opera houses in Europe and the U.S., and has expanded his repertoire to include scores ranging from Mozart to Britten. His recordings have won a number of prestigious prizes, including Gramophone Awards (1990, 1993) and Diapason d’Or prizes (1994, 1999).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire