About this Artist

Christopher Purves has firmly established himself as one of the leading British baritones of his generation. He started his musical life as a choral scholar at King’s College, Cambridge, and went on to become a member of experimental rock group Harvey and the Wallbangers.

Highlights of his 2019/20 season include a return to the title role in Barrie Kosky’s production of Saul, Théâtre du Châtelet and Houston Grand Opera, and a house debut with LA Opera as Golaud in David McVicar’s Pelléas et Mélisande. Concert performances include Balstrode in Peter Grimes at the Enescu Festival, the Protector in Written on Skin at La Biennale di Venezia and the title role in Bluebeard’s Castle with Opera North.

On the concert platform, recent highlights include the world premiere of The Anvil – An elegy for Peterloo with the BBC Philharmonic and Ben Gernon, and a critically acclaimed Alberich in Das Rheingold with the New York Philharmonic and Alan Gilbert. Purves has a great affinity for contemporary repertoire and has created roles in a number of notable premieres, most recently singing Walt Disney in the world premiere of Phillip Glass’ The Perfect American at Teatro Real Madrid and ENO.

Purves’ extensive discography includes the title role in Le nozze di Figaro for Chandos, Handel’s Messiah and Saul with Harry Christophers and The Sixteen, Donizetti’s Maria di Rohan and Ricci’s La Prigione di Edimburgo for Opera Rara, Written on Skin with George Benjamin and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra; and Mozart’s Requiem with Stephen Cleobury and the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge. Early in 2018, Purves’ second volume of Handel’s Finest Arias for Base Voice, was released on Hyperion with Arcangelo and Jonathan Cohen, to great critical acclaim, following the huge success of his debut solo disc in 2012.