Biography

Nick Garrett is widely acknowledged as one of the most distinctive and acclaimed young, bass baritone vocalists in the UK today, as well as being one of the most gifted arrangers in the genre of classical crossover music. His unmistakable, rich voice has had a massive impact on fans of all ages from the four corners of the globe. The press, too, have applauded and acknowledged his remarkable talent and have referred to him as “…the next Bryn Terfel”.

Having taught himself to play the piano at age seven, he was accepted by Trinity College of Music to study singing, composition, piano and conducting before winning a much coveted singing grant from the Wolfson Foundation.

His growing reputation as an exceptional artist was initially born from his hugely successful International career as an operatic soloist. His career saw him perform over thirty major roles for many of the worlds greatest opera houses, including the Royal Opera House, the English National Opera and the Opera National de Paris and he had the honour to work with an array of internationally respected conductors from Pierre Boulez to Kent Nagano. This year Nick has already performed the role of Sagredo for the World Premiere of ‘Galileo’ by Michael Jarrell at the Grand Theatre de Geneva and in March Nick takes on the lead role of Laurent in “Therese Raquin” by Tobias Picker at the Lindbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

Away from the operatic stage, he originally joined the world-renowned vocal ensemble the Swingle Singers, recorded and toured with them Internationally before becoming a founder member and the distinctive bass baritone voice of the million album selling artist Amici forever. Nick’s vocals were a powerful and enduring contribution to their global success and the classical crossover world had found themselves a new hero.

Nick Garrett has genuinely ‘crossed over’ from the classical world earning him the right to be heralded as the ‘real deal ’ in this ever growing genre of music

As an arranger and composer he composed and produced all the vocal arrangements for their 2nd album ‘Defined’ (to be released in the UK in March 2006) and his vocals are a major part of the success of this album too. He was appointed the Musical Director for their PBS TV Special which resulted in the worldwide release of the DVD ‘Amici forever live in Concert’. His talents as an arranger in the classical crossover genre were originally recognised by his contribution to their first album, “The Opera Band” as it was his original arrangements and production of two of the favourite tracks – Senze Catene (Unchained Melody) and Whisper of Angels that gave Amici forever their ‘sound’ and which attracted so many new fans to the world of classical crossover music, realising they did not have to be a classical officiando to enjoy and embrace the classical sounding voice.

Not unsurprisingly his skills are now in high demand for commercial commissions. Amongst many credits, most recently Nick composed the new signature tune for The Horse of the Year Show entitled “Equus” as well as composing and arranging music to herald the launch of the avant-garde designs of Noir Fashion at both Copenhagen Fashion Week and the prestigious London Fashion Week, where he also conducted both the Gothenburg Cathedral Choir and Tiffin Boys’ Choir in his works to great acclaim.

Nick Garrett can count Royalty amongst his ever growing fans too as now as an ‘Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust’ he is lending his support to their great works. He has performed in front of literally hundreds of millions of TV viewers for many major ceremonial and sporting occasions – most notably, the Champions League Final, The Coca Cola Championship Final, The Six Nations and the FA Cup Final.

2006 is an exciting year for Nick as it will see him embark on his ‘solo’ recording career where he will be taking his inspiration and musical influences from both the world of rock and pop and fusing them with the classics. His compositions have a uniqueness and immediacy with a wide ranging appeal. He understands that intimacy is the first prerequisite in the art of communication with an audience - a major feature in his many live performances where he takes this intimacy one step further by accompanying himself on the piano – performing repertoire from Legrand to Lara Fabian and showing his astonishing vocal range, versatility and musical prowess.

His UK performances will include headlining at Elland Road in May for the WISE CLASSICAL CONCERT and again performing at the Millennium Stadium for the Coca Cola Championship Final and UK tour dates are planned for later in the year.
He is also currently working in the studio recording new compositions for his eagerly anticipated debut album.

Whether performing live or on CD – the unmistakable, rich and powerful voice of NICK GARRETT resonates in the hearts and minds of all who hear him. To experience his voice and see why he has being tipped as “the one to watch in 2006” visit his website at www.nickgarrett.net