About Philip Lawson
Philip Lawson is a distinguished British musician, widely celebrated as a choral conductor, composer, and arranger, whose work has left an indelible mark on the world of vocal music. He is best known for his nearly two-decade tenure as a baritone with the globally renowned a cappella ensemble, The King's Singers, where he also served as their principal arranger for a significant portion of that time. Lawson's primary musical style revolves around sophisticated and accessible choral writing, particularly adept at crafting intricate yet rewarding a cappella arrangements that span various genres from classical to contemporary pop, making him a significant figure in modern choral repertoire.
- Philip Lawson was a touring member of The King's Singers for 18 years, joining in 1993 and replacing founder-member Simon Carrington. During this period, he performed over 2,000 concerts with the group.
- As the principal arranger for The King's Singers, Lawson contributed over 50 arrangements to their repertoire. His work on their 2008 album "Simple Gifts", where he arranged 10 out of 15 tracks, earned the group a Grammy Award for "Best Classical Crossover Album" in 2009.
- Beyond his contributions to The King's Singers, Lawson is a prolific composer and arranger in his own right, with a catalogue of over 200 published works, many of which are available through leading publishers like Hal Leonard and OUP.
- Prior to joining The King's Singers, Philip Lawson served as a Lay Clerk in Salisbury Cathedral Choir for 11 years and was also the Director of Music at a preparatory school in Salisbury, where he composed extensively for his choirs.
For vocalists and choral ensembles seeking enriching and expertly crafted sheet music, Philip Lawson's compositions and arrangements offer an exceptional experience. His works are ideally suited for a wide range of choirs, from accomplished professional groups to advanced amateur ensembles and school choirs, with offerings across various voicings such as SATB, SAB, and SSA. Performing Lawson's music is incredibly rewarding due to his masterful command of vocal harmony, engaging melodic lines, and thoughtful text settings, which allow singers to explore nuanced musicality and deliver impactful performances. His extensive catalogue provides opportunities for choirs to delve into both original works and imaginative arrangements of well-known pieces, all designed to highlight the beauty and versatility of the human voice.