Laurence Williams

Bass Baritone

Runner up in the 2019 Patricia Routledge National English Song Competition

'...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

Acclaimed for his eloquent singing and lush tone, Laurence Williams is an international Bass-Baritone soloist, specialising in oratorio singing. He was runner up in the 2019 Patricia Routledge National English Song Competition.

Recent highlights include:

- Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

- World premiere of Stephen McNeff’s The Waking Shadows with Canticum Choir at St Martin-in-the-Fields

- Bach’s St Matthew Passion with Stephen Layton and the Auckland Philharmonia, broadcast live on Radio NZ

- Haydn’s Nelson Mass with John Butt and the OAE.

He trained at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama and graduated with distinction and a Concert Recital Diploma in 2017. He is widely praised for his lyrical tone and engaging communication of narrative. He was a finalist in the 2018 London Song Festival Masterclass.

Recent operatic roles have included Colline in Puccini’s La Bohème (Hampstead Garden Opera), Mr Gedge in Britten’s Albert Herring (Hampstead Garden Opera), Smirnov in Walton’s The Bear (Cambridge Opera Society & Leeds Chamber Ensemble), and Opera Scenes Various (The Guildhall School of Music and Drama).

Laurence is a sought after musician in the United Kingdom, active with choirs such as Polyphony, The Gabrieli Consort and ORA. He is passionate about introducing young voices to choral music and has extensive experience directing children’s and youth choirs.

Please click here to view a list of Laurence's current oratorio repertoire.

Recordings & Videos

Bach: Stephen Layton (Conductor), and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, recorded live at Auckland Town Hall, 4 October 2018

Finzi and Haydn: Jonathan Lilley (piano), recorded at Waltham Abbey Church, 30 July 2018

Diary

2020

Sunday 16th February

Soloist with Amici Voices for JS Bach Cantata 147, St John's Harpenden

Saturday 14th March

Soloist for Vaughan Williams Five Mystical Songs with Waltham Singers and Chelmsford Choral Society

Thursday 19th and Friday 20th March

Soloist in newly commissioned opera Jason and the Argonauts by Hywel Davies at Tonbridge School

Saturday 21st March

Soloist for Handel Messiah with Swindon Choral Society

Saturday 28th March

Soloist for Mendelssohn Elijah with Harrow Philharmonic

Thursday 16th April

Soloist for Fauré Requiem with Auckland Philharmonic and Stephen Layton

2021

Saturday 17th April