WILLIAM (BILL) THATCHER

LUTE AND COLASCIONE

Bill came to early music after years of playing guitar, banjo, and bass in a variety of solo and group acts that focused on early genres of American music, including folk, jazz, and classic rock.  A product of the folk music revival with an interest in traditional American music and its roots, Bill was attracted to the early music of Europe, the sultry sounds of the lute and the rich history and culture that surrounds it. Bill holds a master’s degree in folklore and ethnomusicology from Indiana University and has studied lute and guitar with Xavier Diaz-Lattore, Ronn McFarlane, and the late Pat O’Brien. As a performer, he has strolled the grounds of Renaissance Faires and performed concerts with Riverview Early Music, Cambiata, Moravian Collegium, NY Continuo Collective, Bethlehem Bach Festival Orchestra, and La Fiocco. He has also played musical roles in the theater including the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. He is featured on three CDs by Cambiata, and on the CD release of Handel’s Ode to St. Cecilia’s Day by the Bach Choir of Bethlehem.