Introduction
Grayston Burgess (Cheriton, Kent 7 April 1932) is an English countertenor and conductor.
Life and career
A former member of the Purcell Singers, Burgess formed the Purcell Consort of Voices in 1963. He also sang with the Studio der frühen Musik and the Musica Reservata Ensemble of Michael Morrow and John Beckett. Burgess premiered compositions including Michael Tippett's "Songs for Ariel".
After moving to rural Herefordshire in the 1980's, he taught singing at Ellerslie School, Malvern, and, on its closure, at Malvern College. His pupils included ex.Swingle Singer Wendy Nieper.
In 2000 he accepted an invitation to help form, and to direct, a local community choir to celebrate the Millennium. After its performance - of Haydn's Creation - this choir continued as a permanent feature in the form of Choir 2000, which became his inspiration and to which he himself has been an inspiration.
Selected discography
Countertenor - Soloist
- Dowland LP
Conductor - Purcell Consort of Voices
- Music of Albert: Prince of Saxe, Coburg und Gotha Decca/Australian Eloquence.