Paul Hillier is an internationally renowned vocalist and conductor specializing in early music and contemporary music. He has made a name for himself as a versatile artist, with a repertoire that spans from the medieval period to the present day. Born on February 9, 1949, in Dorchester, England, Hillier's musical career has been marked by his deep engagement with choral music and his innovative approach to performance and recording.

As a founding member of the Hilliard Ensemble in 1974, Paul Hillier became one of the leading figures in the early music revival, bringing ancient sounds to modern audiences with both scholarly rigor and artistic flair. In the years following, he has directed numerous other ensembles, including Theatre of Voices and Ars Nova Copenhagen, showcasing his ability to interpret a wide range of vocal works. His discography reflects this breadth, with recordings like "Folks' Music," focused on traditional song arrangements, and "Line Tjørnhøj: enTmenschT," exploring the boundaries of contemporary vocal music.

In addition to his work with ensembles, Hillier is acclaimed for his solo performances and his scholarly writings on music. His more recent projects such as "Drone Mass" and "#puppetry" exhibit his unceasing drive to collaborate with other artists and composers to create unique and compelling musical experiences. Through recordings like "Christmas Carols through the Ages" and "In Dulci Jubilo," he has also contributed to the rich archive of seasonal music, imbuing traditional forms with fresh interpretations. Paul Hillier's influence on both early and contemporary music genres reaffirms his standing as a pivotal figure in the ongoing dialogue between music's storied past and its dynamic present.

Genres

Choral

Classical Performance

Related Artists

Arvo Pärt

The Sixteen

Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir

Stile Antico

Philip Glass

Jordi Savall

Peter Phillips

Kronos Quartet

Laurie Anderson

Steve Reich

Jan Garbarek

Meredith Monk

Latest Release

Lopes-Graça: Canções portuguesas

Fernando Lopes-Graça•

Paul Hillier

Album - 22 Tracks - Released June 14, 2024