Sir David Willcocks

**Sir David Willcocks** was a legendary British conductor, organist, and composer whose influence on choral music is still felt today. Best known as the dynamic director of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge (1957–1974), he turned their Christmas Eve *Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols* into a global tradition, thanks to his lush arrangements and iconic recordings. A World War II veteran awarded the Military Cross for bravery, Willcocks later shaped timeless editions of *Carols for Choirs*—the go-to books for holiday singers everywhere—and brought fresh energy to classics like Handel’s *Messiah* and Bach’s motets. Knighted in 1977, his crisp, joyful style made cathedral music feel both grand and inviting.

Whether leading the Bach Choir or championing 20th-century composers like Nicholas Maw, Willcocks blended reverence with warmth. His holiday albums, like *Christmas Carols* and *A Bach Christmas*, remain seasonal staples, while his King’s College legacy lives on in every “O Come, All Ye Faithful” descant that makes audiences grin. A true choral rockstar, he proved that centuries-old music could swing—and still does, thanks to him.

Genres

Choral

Christmas

Classical

Baroque

Renaissance

Orchestra

Church Music

Organ Music

Related Artists

Paul McCartney

Herbert von Karajan

John Rutter

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Karl Jenkins

John Eliot Gardiner

Trevor Pinnock

Stephen Cleobury

Christopher Hogwood

Harry Christophers

Eric Whitacre

Nicol Matt

Latest Release

Vaughan Williams: Five Tudor Portraits

Ralph Vaughan Williams•

Sir David Willcocks•

New Philharmonia Orchestra

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released February 7, 2025