PLATINUM CONSORT

Bringing vibrancy to early music and breathing life into newly commissioned works since 2005, Platinum Consort was founded by Scott Inglis-Kidger and Claire Jaggers. Originating at the University of Cambridge, Scott and Claire appointed singers from the renowned college choirs and now boast some of the best professional singers in the UK. Composer in Residence, Richard Bates, has worked closely with the group since its inception and continues to influence the Platinum sound-world with his intoxicating polyphony.

The debut album In The Dark reached number 13 in the Specialist Classical Chart and number 6 in the iTunes and Amazon Classical Charts. The Observer praised the album as being a "hugely impressive debut", while the International Record Review described it as "singing that brings great pleasure". Eric Whitacre called In The Dark "clean, healthy, lusty singing”, and Classic FM featured it as their Album of the Weekend. The recording was listed as one of The Guardian's 'Best Albums of 2012'. Platinum has since launched its own record label, Platinum Unbound, with the first release 'Mary's Hope' reaching number 3 in the iTunes chart, and being featured on BBC Radio 3's In Tune.

Platinum Consort has forged a strong relationship with Kings Place, having launched In The Dark, performed Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and presented the penultimate concert of the Minimalism Unwrapped series, focusing on the music of Arvo Pärt and Richard Bates. Platinum continues to promote its own concerts, exploring a vast choral repertoire.

At the forefront of education, Platinum presents a successful series of Choral Workshops for singers who wish to explore glorious repertoire in smaller groups. Participants travel from all corners of the globe to be inspired by vocal experts Scott Inglis-Kidger and Ghislaine Morgan. The consort is supported by registered charity, Platinum Choral Foundation. Amongst other projects, the foundation enables the singers to deliver masterclasses to state primary schools, broadening children’s experiences of choral music and aiming to inspire and develop the next generation of consort singers.

Image: Platinum Consort © operaomnia.co.uk

SCOTT INGLIS-KIDGER

Hailed by Classic FM as a “rising star of the choral world", Scott Inglis-Kidger is known for his passion and dedication as a conductor and vocal coach. Born in 1984, Scott was brought up playing the Scottish bagpipes at home on a farm in the North East of England. He later discovered singing, going on to read Music at the University of Cambridge and join the world famous King's College Choir as a countertenor. His love of exquisite vocal music was the motivation behind the formation of Platinum Consort during his final year at Cambridge.

Scott is equally at home directing large orchestral and choral forces as he is in the intimate setting of consort music. Highlights of his nine sell-out concerts as former conductor of Thomas’s Choral Society include Handel's Messiah with the Saraband Consort, Rutter’s Requiem with Lakeswood Sinfonia, and the world première of Richard Bates' large-scale commission, The Vigil, with Platinum Boys' Choir. Scott is in high demand as a consultant vocal coach and conductor, recently working with the Scottish Chamber Choir, Exeter Festival Chorus and St Albans Choral Society.

As a former Director of Music in two London prep schools, and currently Director of the Choristers at Willington School, Scott continues to inspire and encourage many young singers. His skill in transforming choirs and singers of any age and ability is outstanding, whether it be with seasoned professionals, choral amateurs, or the thousands of viewers of his YouTube channel, Sing with Scott. One singer described his participation in a session with Scott as “the most amazing musical experience of my life!". With bespoke workshops sold out months in advance and performances described as “pristine” and “intimate” (BBC Music Magazine), Scott is making a significant impact on the world of choral music.


Image: Scott Inglis-Kidger © operaomnia.co.uk

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