Norrington, Roger Arthur Carver (1934– )

English conductor. An early music enthusiast, he has promoted the use of period instruments in his many recordings. He is noted for his interpretations of the Mozart and Beethoven symphonies, which he often takes at unusually fast tempos, drawing criticism from some that the expressive intensity of the music is thereby lost.

He studied at the Royal College of Music with Adrian Boult and performed as a tenor 1962–70. He founded the Schütz Choir in 1962, which was succeeded by the Schütz Choir of London. He was music director of the Kent Opera 1968–84, and has given Monteverdi's three principal operas in his own editions. He made his US debut at Oakland, California, in 1974. In 1985 he conducted at the Royal College of Music the first stage performance in Britain of Rameau's tragédie-lyrique Les Boréades. From 1985, he gave London weekend ‘experiences’ devoted to single composers: Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Berlioz, and Purcell.