John Whitelaw (harpsichordist) explained

John Whitelaw (born 1943) is an American-born Canadian harpsichordist.

Life and career

Born in New York in 1943,[1] Whitelaw was originally trained as a pianist at liberal arts colleges in Tennessee, Indianapolis, and Chicago.[2] He was a student of Kenneth Gilbert in Montreal from 1967-1971; during which time he also pursued further music studies at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec and McGill University.[2] In 1970 he won the Prix d'Europe.[3] That same year he was a finalist at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich and was awarded the Premier Prix by the Conservatoire de musique du Québec.[2] In 1971 he won second prize at the Musica Antiqua Bruges competition in Belgium,[4] and third prize at the international harpsichord competition in Paris, which at least one contemporary music critic, Jacques Longchampt, described as "strange".[5]

While continuing his education in Canada, Whitelaw simultaneously worked as a music faculty member at the University of Ottawa.[2] He also was the director of the Montreal Chamber Singers.[2] After leaving Canada, he worked as a longtime faculty member of the Royal Conservatory in Ghent.[3] In 1976 he toured Australia as the harpsichordist in the Five Centuries Ensemble.[6] He has appeared as a guest artist on numerous recordings, and in 1996 released his studio recording of works of William Byrd. He has also played the clavichord, the forte-piano and the piano, in particular accompanying South African soprano Gerda Hartman in, notably, the repertoire of the German Lied.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Concert Spirituel.
  2. News: Harpsichordist giving Bach recital at U of O. The Ottawa Journal. 32. February 20, 1971.
  3. Encyclopedia: Harpsichord playing and teaching. https://web.archive.org/web/20110607155304/http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=U1ARTU0001548. dead. June 7, 2011. The Canadian Encyclopedia.
  4. News: Music Notes. The Ottawa Journal. October 23, 1971. 40.
  5. News: Etrange verdict au premier concours international de clavecin. Le Monde. September 22, 1973.
  6. News: Musica Viva Australia. The Age. May 5, 1976. 24.
  7. THEATRE D'ORSAY. 13. October 1978. L'Express.