Iestyn Davies, countertenor | My Songs, My Stories - Interview & "O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice"

Iestyn Davies is a British countertenor widely recognized as one of the world’s finest singers celebrated for the beauty and technical dexterity of his voice and intelligent musicianship. Here he shares behind-the-scene insights into his career and the song "O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice" by Henry Purcell, with lutenist Thomas Dunford.
Critical recognition of Iestyn’s work can be seen in two Gramophone Awards, a Grammy Award, a RPS Award for Young Singer of the Year, the Critics’ Circle Award and recently an Olivier Award Nomination. He was awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List 2017 for services to music. Although blessed with a Welsh name, Iestyn hails from York, born into a musical household, his father being the founding cellist of the Fitzwilliam String Quartet. He began his singing life as a chorister at St John’s College, Cambridge under the direction of Dr.George Guest and later Christopher Robinson. Later, after graduating in Archaeology and Anthropology from St John’s College, Cambridge Iestyn studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London of which he is now a Fellow.
Vocal Arts DC (VADC) presents classically-trained singers and pianists in Washington, DC, at The Kennedy Center and in educational events. Performing acoustically, our world-class musicians showcase a wide range of the greatest song literature, increasingly including newly-composed commissions. Founded in 1990 as The Vocal Arts Society by psychiatrist and music-lover, Dr. Gerald Perman (1923-2015), the modest first season featured Renée Fleming and recitals at the French Embassy’s Maison Française. Today VADC includes an annual subscription concert series, online content, master classes, and a vocal competition providing scholarships. vocalartsdc.org

[@lizzyborg]

Truly a partnership made in heaven! May it long continue in health and harmony for your delight as well as ours. And more CDs please. Thank you.

[@thesaucegroup1877]

An absolutely fantastic insight into an amazing voice! Thanks

[@classicbird2627]

O melancholy - noone, absolutely noone is doing that better than Iestyn. And Thomas.

[@thesaucegroup1877]

1:09 - important point about becoming a countertenor. He probably started when he was about 16/17