Laurence Williams
Bass-Baritone - Conductor - Organist
...forthright, energetic...
Yehuda Shapiro, Opera Magazine
...strong sense of gravitas ... lavishing lush tone...
Simon Holden, Bachtrack
...eloquently sung...
Richard Morrison, The Times
Laurence's voice was incredible - I was astounded
Robert Murray, National Operatic & Dramatic Association
Biography
Bass-Baritone Soloist,
Conductor, Organist, and Educator​
A versatile and internationally sought-after musician, Laurence Williams is celebrated for his lyrical bass-baritone tone, engaging communication of narrative, and dynamic leadership as a conductor and educator. He currently serves as the Director of Music at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, Ontario, Canada, alongside a busy freelance career.
Mixing freelance with mission: Director of Music, London, ON​
Since arriving in London, Ontario in April 2025, Laurence has quickly revitalised the music program at St. Paul's Cathedral.
In his first six months, he has, amongst many other projects:
-
Expanded Community Outreach: Successfully increased weekly lunchtime concert audiences to over 100 people.
-
Built Youth Programs: Established two new children's choirs, strengthening the Cathedral's commitment to music education.
-
Directed High-Quality Worship: Leads the semi-professional Cathedral choir and plays the organ weekly for daily and Sunday services.
-
Commissioned two new works, by Sarah Quartell and Hywel Davies​​
Performance and Educational Pedigree
Early Training & Foundation
Laurence's exceptional career began at the age of eight as a chorister at Westminster Abbey, where he sang services daily for six years. His experiences included performing for the Funeral of HRH Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 2002, broadcast worldwide.
He later served as Organ Scholar at St. George's, Windsor Castle, playing the organ and conducting the professional choir of boys and men. He went on to sing in the renowned choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, under Stephen Layton, appearing as a soloist on the 2011 Gramophone Award-winning disc of music by Herbert Howells.
Soloist and Ensemble Highlights
Trained at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama (graduating with distinction and a Concert Recital Diploma in 2017), Laurence is acclaimed for his rich tone and eloquent singing.
Recent Solo Performance Highlights (Bass-Baritone):
-
Bach's Mass in B Minor with the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra.
-
Bach's St Matthew Passion (live broadcast soloist) with Stephen Layton and the Auckland Philharmonia.
-
Adonis in Blow's Venus and Adonis for Hampstead Garden Opera.
-
Elijah solos for Islington Choral Society at Cadogan Hall.
As a choral singer, he has toured Europe, performing to sold-out audiences with prominent ensembles, including Polyphony, Gabrieli Consort, and the Monteverdi Choir.
Educator and Speaker
Laurence is a passionate music educator and speaker. He established Dowland Youth Works in 2016 to give teenagers hands-on experience with the music of John Dowland and his contemporaries. He is regularly invited to speak at universities and participated in a panel at the London City Of Music Conference, often discussing how his work as a conductor and performer inform one another.
​
Booking & Contact
To inquire about engaging Laurence Williams as a soloist, conductor, organist, speaker, or workshop leader for your next event or institution, please visit the Contact page.
Media
Diary - 2025
Tuesday 28th October
London Art Song Collective - Schumann: Liederkreis
Soloist - St. Paul's Cathedral, London, Ontario
Sunday 9th November
Durufle Requiem
Organist - Colborne United Church, London, Ontario
​
Saturday 22nd November
Bach: Cantata: Wachet Auf BWV 140
Trinity Lutherin Church - London, Ontario
​
Wednesday 31st December
Beethoven 9th Symphony
Monteverdi Choir - Zurich - Choral Bass​
Please click here to view an archive diary of Laurence's solo highlights
Contact
For all enquiries, please contact diary manager Charlie Gower-Smith at info@charliegowersmith.com