Paul McCreesh is renowned for the energy and passion of his musicianship, and the interpretive insight he brings to repertoire of the widest stylistic and historical breadth. His authoritative performances are founded on uncompromising drive and vision, alongside a hunger for new challenges. First established as the founder and artistic director of the Gabrieli Consort & Players, he now conducts such orchestras as the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Bergen Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Verbier Festival Orchestra. He is a former Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor at the Gulbenkian Orchestra, Lisbon and served for six seasons as Artistic Director of the International Festival Wratislavia Cantans in Wrocław, Poland.

At the heart of McCreesh’s music-making is a determination to broaden and democratize access to the arts. He is actively involved in developing new performing opportunities and educational initiatives across Europe, and carefully curated collaborations with youth choirs and orchestras are central to his work.

McCreesh’s ever-questioning spirit makes him a difficult artist to categorize: he is as likely to be found conducting Purcell’s theatre works as Elgar’s symphonies or an a cappella part song. He is increasingly known for his performances of major choral works, such as Britten’s War Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Verdi’s Requiem, Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius and Haydn’s The Creation and The Seasons. He brings to all this repertoire the same rigorous scholarship and interpretive flair that defined his early career, confirming his reputation for innovation, and making him one of today’s most highly regarded recording artists.