John Rutter, composer

Born: September 24, 1945 in London

Education: attended the Highgate School at the same time as John Tavener; studied music at Clare College, Cambridge

Conductor: a popular guest conductor and clinician all over the world; in 1981 he founded the ensemble The Cambridge Singers, and that ensemble has recorded more than 30 albums of his compositions

Awards and honors: in 1988 a Fellow of the Guild of Church Musicians; in 1996 a Lambeth Doctorate of Music from the Archbishop of Canterbury in recognition of his contribution to church music; in 2007 a CBE from Queen Elizabeth for services to music; in 2008 was made an honorary Bencher of the Middle Temple

Compositions: are mainly choral, including Christmas carols, anthems, and extended works such as his Gloria, Magnificat and Requiem