Composer knighted in King's Birthday Honours

Composer John Rutter has been given a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours

A composer honoured with a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours has told how music has given him a "lifetime of joy".

John Rutter, 78, who formed the Cambridge Singers choir in 1983 and is known for his Christmas music, said he was "deeply grateful" for the award.

BBC Radio 3 has described Rutter as one of the "most popular and successful choral composers of the last half-century".

The station said for many people, Rutter’s carols and carol arrangements were the "sound of Christmas".

'Never dreamed'

He said: "Music has given me a lifetime of joy and fulfilment but I never dreamed that one day it would bring me the honour of a knighthood. I'm deeply grateful."

Members of the Cambridge Singers - a choir formed by John Rutter more than 40 years ago

He featured on BBC Radio 3's "Music Matters" in December 2022.

"Beloved by choirs and audiences all over the world, John Rutter is one of the most popular and successful choral composers of the last half-century," said the programme blurb.

"In particular, for many people, Rutter’s carols and carol arrangements are the sound of Christmas.

"The festive season would be unthinkable today without the joyful tunes of Shepherd’s Pipe Carol or Star Carol resounding in school halls, churches and concert halls."

The John Rutter website tells how the composer was was born in London and studied music at Clare College, Cambridge.

"He first came to notice as a composer during his student years; much of his early work consisted of church music and other choral pieces including Christmas carols," says a website biography.

Rutter composed a version of Psalm 150 for For Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee

Rutter composed a version of Psalm 150 for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee, which was performed at the thanksgiving service in St Paul's Cathedral, London.

He was commissioned to write a new anthem, entitled This Is The Day, for the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton in 2011, which was performed at Westminster Abbey during the service.

The first two choral items sung at Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee national service of thanksgiving in June 2022 were arrangements by Rutter.

At the coronation of King Charles, six of the pieces performed were arrangements by Rutter.

Rutter was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours, for services to music.