David Bates

David Bates is a British musician who has distinguished himself both as a conductor and a countertenor. Initially, he embarked on a professional singing career before turning to conducting. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Bates is particularly noted for his work with early music, especially from the 17th to the 19th centuries, and he founded **La Nuova Musica** in 2015 to focus on lesser-known repertoire from this period. This ensemble aims to rediscover and reinterpret works by composers such as Monteverdi, Handel, and Purcell for contemporary audiences.

Bates' conducting style emphasizes minimal verbal instruction, instead using gestures and facial expressions to guide performers. His repertoire includes notable works like Handel's "Famous Pieces" and Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas," showcasing his affinity for Baroque music. His performances often highlight the emotional depth and theatricality of these historical pieces, blending musical excellence with dramatic storytelling.

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Handel: Famous Pieces

George Frideric Handel•

Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin•

Bernhard Forck•

B'Rock Orchestra•

Dmitry Sinkovsky•

La Nuova Musica•

David Bates•

Magdalena Kožená

Album - 56 Tracks - Released December 1, 2023