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Julian Wright was born and brought up in Oxford, but he has Northumbrian forebears
and his family have been making music in the North East for several generations (he is
the eldest son of the present Bishop of Durham). He is Senior Lecturer in history at
Durham University, and works on French political history.
Julian was a founding member of the National Youth Chamber Choir, and later at Oxford
sang professionally at Christ Church and New College, and the Chapel Royal, St James's
Palace. His solo singing has encompassed roles such as Figaro (Marriage of Figaro),
Guglielmo (Cosi fan tutte) and Ferryman (Curlew River - Britten), as well as a wide
oratorio and lieder repertory.
As an experienced singer, Julian has high aspirations for developing the all-round
musicianship of the Durham Singers. Since his appointment as Musical Director of the Durham
Singers in 2007, he has reaffirmed the choir's strong tradition of a cappella singing,
as well as seeking out new collaborations with composers and visiting conductors.
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Oliver Brett was educated at Tonbridge School, and then at King's College Cambridge as
organ scholar, from where he graduated in 2007 with an honours degree in music. After
graduating, he held positions at Westminster Cathedral, Felsted School in Essex and St
Philip's Church, Earls Court Road, London, before taking up his current post as Assistant
Organist of Durham Cathedral in May 2009.
At King's, Oliver was heard by millions worldwide through numerous television and radio
broadcasts, most notably the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in 2006.
As a solo recitalist, he has performed all over England as well as in Holland, Canada,
the USA, and Ecuador, as well as with orchestras such as the Philharmonia and the Academy
of Ancient Music. He is also a keen pianist, specializing in chamber music.
Oliver is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, having passed both of his
diplomas before leaving school, with top prizes. He has studied the organ with
Sarah Baldock, Thomas Trotter, and David Briggs.
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