Thomas, David (Lionel Mercer)

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Thomas, David (Lionel Mercer)

Thomas, David (Lionel Mercer), English bass; b. Orpington, Kent, Feb. 26, 1943. He was educated at St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir School, King’s School, Canterbury, and King’s Coll., Cambridge. He first gained recognition as a soloist with Rooley’s Consort of Musicke, Hogwood’s Academy of Music, and other early music groups in England; subsequently appeared throughout Europe. In 1982 he made his U.S. debut at the Hollywood Bowl. In later years, he pursued an international career, specializing in the Baroque and Classical concert and operatic repertoires. He won particular distinction for his performances of works by Monteverdi, Purcell, Bach, Handel, and Mozart.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire