Ian Partridge CBE
In 1958 he made his operatic debut as a singer in Bexhill, and from 1962 he pursued a solo career. He is one of Britain's leading lyric tenors. His wide repertoire encompasses the music of Monteverdi, J.S. Bach and Georg Frideric Handel, Elizabethan lute songs, German, French and English songs with piano, and contemporary works including first performances. He appeared regularly as soloist with major choirs and orchestras in Britain and throughout the rest of the world.
In recitals Ian Partridge was frequently accompanied by his sister Jennifer – a partnership that has received great critical acclaim. They are regular broadcasters for the BBC, and have given recitals all over the British Isles and Europe, and as far afield as South America, Turkey, Iceland and Australia.
The Thames TV production of Britten's St Nicholas with Ian Partridge in the title role, won the Prix Italia. He made his operatic debut at Covent Garden singing the role of Iopas in Berlioz' Les Troyens conducted by Sir Colin Davis, subsequently recorded by Philips.
Ian Partridge performed Façade at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam with Lady Walton, the composer's widow, for Dutch television. He collaborated with the actress Prunella Scales with whom he has shared over 200 performances of the most successful production 'An Evening with Queen Victoria' all over the world. He has enjoyed taking masterclasses on Lieder, English song and early music at venues as diverse as Aldeburgh, Vancouver, Trondheim, Versailles and Helsinki.
Ian Partridge was awarded the CBE in the 1992 New Year's Honours, for distinguished service to music. Ian Partridge's interests include bridge and racing.
This year, in celebration of Ian’s 85th birthday, SOMM Records issued a CD of some of his Schubert lieder recordings from BBC broadcasts from the late 1960s/early 1970s.
