Christopher Purves

Bass-baritone Christopher Purves has performed operatic roles from the Baroque to contemporary repertory and has sung choral music at the Proms and other major venues. His background is unusual in that it includes a substantial career in popular music with the doo-wop/jazz vocal group Harvey & the Wallbangers. From 1997 onward, Purves had recurring roles with Britain's Opera North company. He performed John Tavener's 140-minute Apocalypse at the Proms with the City of London Sinfonia. In later years, Purves has essayed major operatic bass and baritone roles. He appeared in the 2010 film musical Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy). In the 2010s, he released two albums of Handel's bass arias with the early music ensemble Arcangelo and director Jonathan Cohen; the second volume appeared in 2018. He returned in 2023 on the recital My Soul, What Fear You? with pianist Simon Lepper.