John Shirley-Quirk

One of Britain’s most renowned and distinguished musicians, John Shirley-Quirk is known particularly for his masterly performances of orchestral repertoire with leading conductors and orchestras around the world including in Amsterdam, Chicago, New York, London, Paris, Vienna, and Berlin. He has given recitals in these same venues with pianists such as Ashkenazy, Britten, Schiff, and Perahia. He has performed in the world’s major opera houses including Covent Garden, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera. His discography on all major record labels has exceeded the century mark.

Although his repertoire reaches back into the classical and baroque eras, Shirley-Quirk has always maintained an active association with new music. His first operatic venture was a performance of Henze’s Elegy for Young Lovers. He created roles in Tippett’s The Ice Break and in Britten’s last five operas, culminating in the sevenfold role of The Traveller in Death in Venice.

John Shirley-Quirk first appeared with the William Ferris Chorale in January 1993, when he joined Lady Susana Walton for a performance of Façade. He is a member of the voice faculty of the Peabody Conservatory.