Archie White
A Baroque Progress – Album
Sacred and secular arias from the 18th century.
The music on this recording represents a journey, or ‘progress’, through geography and time across Europe of the Baroque, coming to rest in Oxford, England, where Archie’s own journey began. He has been much inspired by the many wonderful musicians and singers who tread the path before him and he would very much like to be able to one day leave something of value on the path behind him. Many of the pieces he sings on this recording are soprano arias, thus might be more commonly associated with the female voice. However, precedent has been set by original Baroque productions where the gender of the performer and the role did not always correspond.
The Purpose
Aware of the temporal nature of his treble voice, and with opportunities to sing in short supply during the Covid-19 pandemic, Archie wanted to distil some of his untapped energy and motivation into something meaningful and lasting by recording some of the music that has particular meaning for him, in support of five charities that are close to his heart. Any profits from this CD will be donated to his chosen charities in a ratio as voted for by the kind donors who have made the recording possible.
About Archie
Passionate about music from infancy, Archie began studying the violin at 7 years of age and joined the choir of Magdalen College, as a chorister when he was 9 years old, under the baton of Mark Williams. After a reluctant retirement, at the age of 12, he began to seek new opportunities beyond the college walls. He has continued to sing, both as a soloist and collaboratively, studying with Maria Thompson. At 16, he still sings in the treble range, incorporating a wide range of repertoire, as well as including some works in the upper alto range, as he prepares for voice change. He continues to enjoy instrumental playing, studying organ with Tim Wakerell and piano with Eppie Churcher. Whilst engaging with music of many genres, he has a particular love for the music of the Baroque and early Classical periods, much of which he finds emotionally moving. His background as a chorister has been fundamental in the development of his love for sacred music from early composers such as Thomas Weelkes, through to the modern, such as Matthew Martin.
Charities supported by the Album:
The Cathedral Music Trust, which supports cathedral choirs and choristers in need and encourages the pursuit of excellence in choral and organ music.
Find out more about The Cathedral Music Trust
The Childhood Cancer Research Trust, which seeks to raise funds for research into better treatments for children with a cancer diagnosis.
Find out more about The Childhood Cancer Research Trust.
The Felix Project, a food redistribution charity, which works to redress both food poverty and food waste in London.
Find out more about The Felix Project.
The Save Me Trust in support of sustainable change to support wildlife, business and the environment.
Find out more about The Save Me Trust.
The Mustardseed School which seeks to provide an inspirational and practical education for young children in Uganda.