Biography
Joseph Fort is a conductor and musicologist based in London. Since 2015 he has been College Organist & Director of the Chapel Choir, and Lecturer in Music at King’s College London, which role he took up immediately upon the completion of his PhD at Harvard University.
Joseph's performances with the Choir of King’s College London have been recognised as ‘English choral singing at its best’ (Choir & Organ), ‘a performance of astonishing intensity and musicality’ (Gramophone), and ‘superbly drilled’ (The Guardian). His expansive discography with Delphian Records has received considerable critical acclaim, including Editor’s Choice and the ‘best new classical albums’ lists in Gramophone. Recent orchestral conducting includes Britten Sinfonia, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Hanover Band and the London Mozart Players. He also directs the acclaimed professional choir of St Paul’s Knightsbridge.
Joseph’s academic research focuses on eighteenth-century music and dance. His monograph, 'Haydn's Minuets and Eighteenth-Century Dance' will be published by Cambridge University Press in 2025. He has published in the Eighteenth-Century Music journal, and has chapters in books with Cambridge University Press and Leipzig University Press. His chamber arrangement of The Cloud Messenger by Gustav Holst is published by Stainer & Bell.
Research Interests and PhD Supervision
- Eighteenth-century music (esp. Haydn)
- Music and dance
- Musical arrangements and adaptations
- Performance issues
- Conducting and choral music
Teaching
Eighteenth-century music history; eighteenth- and nineteenth-century music theory and analysis; music and dance; performance.
Expertise and Public Engagement
Frequent broadcasts as a conductor on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.