May
22, 2003, Gazette
Sir David Willcocks
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Photo
by Taylor Photographics |
For his contributions to the world of music and choral performance, Sir David Willcocks will be awarded an honorary doctor of letters degree at the 3 p.m. session of convocation on May 30. Sir David began his musical career as a boy chorister in the choir of Westminster Abbey. His first professional appointments were as organist of the cathedrals of Salisbury and Worcester. His international reputation was established when in 1957 he became director of music at King's College, Cambridge, where he developed, with distinction, its great musical tradition. At Cambridge he also held appointments as university organist, university lecturer and conductor at the Cambridge University Chorus and Orchestra. From 1960 to 1998 Sir David was the musical director of the Bach Choir (London). From 1974 to 1984 he was director of the Royal College of Music in London. Sir David is an honorary fellow of King's College, Cambridge and has received honorary degrees in England, the United States and Canada.