Andrew Carter was born in 1939 into a Leicestershire family of tower and handbell ringers. Following a music degree at the University of Leeds, he joined York Minster Choir, and was subsequently Director of Music at the Bar Convent Grammar School, where he achieved his first successes as a choir trainer. His wealth of experience of directing both mixed-voice and upper-voice choirs has given him a deep understanding of the voice, expressed by a lyricism and sense of drama underpinned by distinctive, often bitter-sweet harmonies. His vast collection of anthems and Christmas carols, together with a substantial number of large-scale choral works, have earned him a reputation as one of Britain's most respected contemporary choral composers. David Blackwell studied music at Edinburgh University, then pursued a career in music publishing, first at ABRSM and then at Oxford University Press. He is co-editor of OUP's In the Mood: 17 Jazz Classics for Choirs and Carols for Choirs 5, and has published a number of single choral arrangements. He is co-writer with his wife Kathy of OUP's award-winning string series, Fiddle/Viola/Cello Time, which have twice won the MIA award for Best Educational Publication.
