Stephen Layton

about

Stephen David Layton MBE (born 23 December 1966) is an English conductor. Layton was raised in Derby, where his father was a church organist. He was a chorister at Winchester Cathedral, and subsequently won scholarships to Eton College and then King's College, Cambridge as an organ scholar under Stephen Cleobury. Whilst studying at Cambridge, Layton founded the mixed-voice choir Polyphony in 1986. He was appointed the musical director of the Holst Singers in 1993, replacing Hilary Davan Wetton, who had founded the group in 1978. Layton has been assistant organist at Southwark Cathedral, and musical director of Wokingham Choral Society. From 1997, he was organist and subsequently director of music at the Temple Church. From 1999 to 2004 he was chief conductor of the Netherlands Chamber Choir. From 2000 to 2012 he was chief guest conductor of the Danish National Vocal Ensemble. From 2006 to 2023, he was director of music at Trinity College, Cambridge. In November 2009, the City of London Sinfonia announced the appointment of Layton as its second artistic director, effective with the 2010–2011 season, with the title of principal conductor. Layton has premiered new works and recordings by a number of composers, including Arvo Pärt, Thomas Adès, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi and James MacMillan. His realisation of John Tavener's The Veil of the Temple was premiered in 2003 at The Temple Church London. It was subsequently performed in 2004 at the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms, and

top songs

albums

Beyond All Mortal Dreams – American A Cappella Choral Works

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Anthems, Vol. 1

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Meditation: 111 Pieces of Classical Music to Ease Your Mind

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The John Tavener Collection

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Gloria!

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Half Monk, Half Rascal

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The Classical Album 2005

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Howells: Requiem; St Paul's & Gloucester Services etc.

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Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works

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Minimalism: Winter Nights

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50 Classical Chillout - by Classic FM

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Essential Hymns

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