John Rutter-one of the day's most prolific choral composers and conductors-is now Sir John Rutter, having been appointed a Knight Bachelor in the King's Birthday Honours list.
Born in London in 1945, he studied at Clare College, Cambridge, where he later served as Director of Music from 1975 to '79. He had his first compositions published while still an undergraduate. In 1983, he created his own choir, the Cambridge Singers, which has given countless performances and made numerous recordings.
Rutter also wrote This Is The Day, a new anthem for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
More recently, six of his arrangements were performed at King Charles III's coronation.
For many people, John Rutter is known for his Christmas carols, such as the Shepherd's Pipe Carol and Candlelight Carol. He has also made famous arrangements of older carols, such as Silent Night and O Holy Night. His five volumes of Carols for Choirs, written in collaboration with Sir David Willcocks, are among his most famous publications.
Besides his knighthood, Rutter has also been awarded a CBE for his services to music, and an Ivors Academy Fellowship. His is currently Vice-President of the Joyful Company of Singers, President of The Bach Choir, and President of the Association of British Choral Directors.
Rutter expressed his gratitude for his knighthood, saying: "Music has given me a lifetime of joy and fulfilment but I never dreamed that one day it would bring me the honour of a knighthood. I'm deeply grateful."
