SACKVILLE, NB — Award-winning U.K. baritone and composer Roderick Williams will be on the Mount Allison campus from January 29-February 1 as the 2024-2025 Bragg Artist-in-Residence. His residency will include two public talks, masterclasses, one-on-one coaching with students, class and ensemble visits, and will conclude with a public recital of English Song in collaboration with piano professor Dr. Stephen Runge on Saturday, Feb. 1 in Brunton Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

“The Department of Music is beyond excited to be welcoming Roderick Williams to our campus,” says Music Department Head Dr. Kevin Morse. “Mr. Williams is one of the finest singers and composers working today, with an extraordinary performing and recording career. This really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of our student performers to work so closely with him.”

Williams is one of the most sought-after baritones of his generation. He performs a wide repertoire from baroque to contemporary music, in the opera house, on the concert platform, and is in demand as a recitalist worldwide. He enjoys relationships with all the major UK opera houses and has sung opera world premieres by David Sawer, Sally Beamish, Michael van der Aa, Robert Saxton, and Alexander Knaifel.  
 
He sings regularly with all the BBC and major U.K. orchestras, as well as the Berlin, London, and New York Philharmonic Orchestras, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Cincinnati Symphony, London Symphony, and Bach Collegium Japan, amongst others.   
 
Williams has an extensive discography. He is a composer and has had works premiered at the Wigmore and Barbican Halls, the Purcell Room, and live on national radio. Notably, he was a soloist at the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III and composed a choral work for the event.
 
The Bragg Artist-in-Residence program was established in 2017 through the Bragg Women Music Opportunities Fund thanks to the generosity of Mount Allison alumnus and former Chancellor John Bragg ('62, '63, LLD '93) and Judy Bragg (‘64).

“The Bragg Women Music Opportunities Fund that supports this annual residency continues to provide exceptional and often life-changing opportunities for our students,” says Morse, “We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the Bragg family.”
 
Public events in Brunton Auditorium:

    •    Wednesday, Jan 29, 4 p.m.: My Life in Music — a biographical chat/interview.  *Free, all welcome.
    •    Friday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.: A Portfolio Career: Being a Professional Freelance Musician — Williams discusses his multi-faceted career and working life.  *Free, all welcome.
    •    Saturday, Feb 1, 7:30pm: A Recital of English Song with pianist Dr. Stephen Runge.  *Free for MtA students with ID; Adults $15, Seniors and non-MtA students $10, Family $30. Cash only at the door.

Photo credit: Theo Williams