Harry Bicket (born 1961) is a British conductor, harpsichordist, and organist, specializing in the performance of Baroque and early Classical repertoire. He is recognized for his work with period-instrument ensembles and has held principal conducting positions with several prominent orchestras.
Early life and education
Born in Brighton, England, Bicket studied music at the University of York, where he earned a degree in music. He subsequently pursued postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Music, focusing on early music performance practice and the harpsichord.
Career
Bicket began his professional career as a harpsichordist, performing with leading early music ensembles such as the English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. He later transitioned to conducting, establishing himself as a specialist in historically informed performance.
- The English Concert: Bicket served as Principal Conductor of The English Concert from 2007 to 2015, during which he directed performances and recordings of works by composers such as Handel, Vivaldi, and Mozart.
- Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (OAE): He became Music Director of the OAE in 2017, leading the ensemble in concerts worldwide and overseeing numerous recording projects.
- Opera: Bicket has conducted operatic productions for major houses, including the Glyndebourne Festival Opera and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. His opera repertoire emphasizes Baroque works, notably Handel’s operas.
Recordings and awards
Bicket’s discography includes acclaimed recordings for labels such as Harmonia Mundi, Signum Classics, and Glossa. Notable projects include:
- Handel’s Concerti Grossi, Op. 6 (with The English Concert) – Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance, 2009.
- Mozart’s Symphonies Nos. 29–41 (with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment) – nominated for a Gramophone Award.
He has received multiple industry honors, including the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Instrumentalist Award (2003) and the Handel Prize of Halle (2012).
Teaching and mentorship
Bicket is active in education, giving master classes and serving as a guest professor at institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music. He mentors emerging conductors and early music specialists through workshops and summer festivals.
Artistic approach
His interpretative style emphasizes historically informed techniques while seeking to engage contemporary audiences. Bicket advocates for the use of period instruments and informed ornamentation, aligning performance practice with scholarly research.
Personal life
Bicket resides in London. He is married to American violinist and early music performer, Rachel Podger, with whom he frequently collaborates in chamber music settings.