Bo Holten is a Danish composer and conductor born on October 22, 1948, in Rudkøbing. He studied musicology at the University of Copenhagen and bassoon at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. In 1979, Holten founded the vocal ensemble Ars Nova, which he led until 1996, and later established Musica Ficta in 1996. He has served as a principal guest conductor for the BBC Singers and was the chief conductor of the Flemish Radio Choir between 2008 and 2011. As a composer, Holten has written over 100 works, including six operas and five solo concertos. His 1993 opera, Operation Orfeo, is recognized as one of the most frequently performed contemporary Danish operas. Holten’s diverse output also includes film scores, such as his work for Lars von Trier's 1984 production The Element of Crime. His later compositions include the 2021 opera Schlagt sie tot!. Holten has been a significant contributor to Danish choral music, serving as a songwriter and editor for various songbooks.
