Michael Goldthorpe was born in the mediaeval city of York. He was educated at Nunthorpe Grammar School, sang at St Michael-le-Belfey (opposite the Minster) and later studied at Trinity College Cambridge where he served in the OTC and the college choir whilst reading for an English degree. He then moved to London where he studied at King's College for a Post Graduate Certificate of Education, and taught in various schools whilst studying further at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, before joining the BBC Singers and the music profession. After his debut at the Purcell Room in 1970, Michael travelled widely with Intimate Opera, The London Opera Group, Kent Opera, The Chelsea Opera Group, The English Bach Festival, L'Atelier Lyrique de Tourcoing and The Royal Opera Company Covent Garden. He broadcast recitals and concerts for the BBC and stations in Europe and Singapore. He became closely identified with the French Baroque revival of the seventies and eighties, making many records and television appearances.
