“Don’t be late, always prepare your music beforehand and learn to blend your voice with your colleagues!”
When did you first become involved with the Rodolfus Choir?
I joined the Old Royal Naval College Trinity Laban Chapel Choir first, and then became involved with The Rodolfus Choir through that.
What do you remember about your first concert singing with the choir?
There was a friendly, buzzing atmosphere that I equated to the interactions of people who love what they do all doing their best.
Can you pick one highlight of being a member of the choir?
My personal highlight would be singing Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe with the Philharmonia and Esa-Pekka Salonen.
What are you up to now?
I am currently looking for work as a freelance composer and musician. I've recently completed a commission to set some Shakespeare Sonnets to music, and am writing on a romance for violin and orchestra, and a rhapsody for oboe. Check our my website for the latest news!
If you had to pick only one song to sing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
"Tired" from Four Last Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams - it is the first songs of RVW's that I ever sung, and I'm very fond of it.
Who are your top three composers, musicians or bands from the past and present?
Ralph Vaughan Williams, Elena Kats-Chernin and Dmitri Shostakovich
Can anyone else in your family sing?
My sister and my aunt.
Where would you like to be in 10 years time?
Working in music as a composer, a copyist, and a performing musician.
Have you any advice to give to our junior singers?
Don't be late, always prepare your music beforehand and learn to blend your voice with your colleagues!
We have three office dogs at The Rodolfus Foundation. What's your favourite animal and why?
I love owls, but if I was to have a pet, it would be a cat: I get along with them far better than I do dogs, and they're quite fine company (when they're not being naughty!)
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, John! Don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list to keep up with the latest news, project information, and great content from Rodolfus HQ.