
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 Mass in B Minor with the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra
- 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
Stephen Layton (Conductor), and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, recorded live at Auckland Town Hall, 4 October 2018
Diary
2021
Saturday 2nd October
Bach Magnificat and Vivaldi Gloria solos with Amici Voices for Carillon Chamber Choir
Saturday 23rd October
Haydn Nelson Mass and Bach Magnificat solos with Swindon Choral Society
Saturday 22nd January
Haydn The Creation with Epping Chorus
Please click here to view an archive diary of Laurence's solo highlights
Workshop: Durufle Requiem
Come and join this singing workshop, run by Laurence Williams.
Based on traditional monastic chant, Durufle's Requiem is a sublime piece of choral music: written in response to World War 2, it is modelled on Faure's Requiem and is equally as beautiful.
This is a 'must get to know' piece.
Beginning with a thorough warm up, Laurence will help you to prepare your voice for the day ahead and provide tips for improving your singing. He will then guide you as we discover a selection of movements from the Requiem.
10am Registration
10.30 Vocal Warm up
11.30 Break - Tea and coffee provided
11.45 Session 1
12.45 Lunch - please bring your own
1.30 Session 2
2.30 Break
2.45 Session 3 and run through
3.30 End

Gallery
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Contact
For all enquiries, please contact Charlie Gower-Smith at info@charliegowersmith.com