English choral conductor and countertenor David Bates studied at Salisbury Cathedral and the Royal Academy of Music, pursuing an operatic career. He also studied at the Schola Cantorum in Basel, and worked with John Eliot Gardiner, Marc Minkowski, and Nicholas McGegan, before forming La Nuova Musica, a period ensemble based in London. He has specialized in the Baroque operas of Monteverdi, Caccini, Handel, and Vivaldi, and has performed on-stage as well as on the podium. As a recitalist, Bates has sung contemporary works, such as Thomas Adès' The Lover in Winter, as well as early vocal music. He has also conducted the choral group Accentus on tour. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi