Stephen Layton

Stephen Layton is a celebrated English conductor renowned for his exceptional contributions to choral music. Born in 1966 and raised in Derby, Layton's musical journey began under the influence of his father, a church organist. His early experiences as a chorister at Winchester Cathedral and subsequent scholarships to Eton College and King's College, Cambridge, laid the foundation for his illustrious career.

Layton is widely regarded as one of the finest choral conductors of his generation, known for his innovative approach and profound impact on the choral music landscape over the past three decades. He founded the acclaimed choirs Polyphony and the Holst Singers, both of which have garnered international recognition for their outstanding performances and recordings.

In addition to his work with these ensembles, Layton has served as the Director of Music at Trinity College, Cambridge, for 17 years, where he led the Trinity College Choir to critical acclaim. His tenure included pioneering audio and video live-streaming initiatives, bringing the choir's music to audiences worldwide.

Layton's dedication to choral music has been honored with numerous awards, including an MBE for services to classical music in 2020. His repertoire spans a wide range of styles, and he is a champion of new music, collaborating with leading choirs, orchestras, and composers globally. Whether conducting Polyphony, the Holst Singers, or guest-conducting with renowned orchestras, Stephen Layton's performances are marked by their depth, precision, and emotional resonance, making him a standout figure in the world of choral music.