Reviews

  • ‘Jon English delivered the agonised aria after Peter’s denial in ringing stentorian tones, yet a little later sang the long demanding tenor aria “Behold him! See!” with exceptional tenderness and accuracy of note value and pitch – a highlight.’
    David Inman, Tonbridge Philharmonic Society
  • ‘.... sang the part of Nicolas with so much conviction and spirit and great feeling .... exciting to be part of the whole production.’
    Mary Osborn, East Grinstead Choral Society
  • ‘[He] interpreted Benjamin Britten's challenging [folk song] settings, from the pain of betrayal in "Early One Morning" through the poignancy of "The Ash Grove" to the high spirits of "Oliver Cromwell" with seemingly effortless technical skill. [In "St Nicolas"] English's instinct for the dramatic found unlimited scope, with moments such as "Heartsick I called on God to purge my angry soul" and the concluding "I bless Thy name, who lived and died for me, and dying, dying, dying, dying yield my soul to Thee" proving unbearably emotional.’
    Ronnie Mulryne, Stratford-upon Avon Choral Society
  • ‘... [his] dramatically intense portrayal of Judas (Maccabaeus) was admirable.’
    Bryan Payne, Arnside Choral Socety
  • ‘... may memorable moments... Jon English both lyrical and eloquent, not least in the exacting ranges required by "Thou shalt break them"...’
    David Taylor, Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society
  • ‘...excellent individually and in ensemble...’
    Anne Slatford, Jubilate Choir
  • ‘Jon English's powerful yet sensitve and profoundly spiritual "Sanctus fortis" made a deep impression’
    Nigel Matthews, Private function
  • ‘... very moving and totally convincing role...’
    Colin Winter, The Barnby Choir
  • ‘... his intelligent response to the words and music were a treat to hear.’
    George Alen, Ashford Choral Society
  • ‘Jon English added colour and excitement to his solos..."Cuius animam gementem" was wonderful to hear and beautifully sung.’
    Wilfrid Butt, Stratford-upon Avon Choral Society
  • ‘Particularly impressive was the tenor aria "Fac me verem tecum flere" [Dvorak: Stabat Mater].’
    Marilyn Dennis and Jim Hurdwell, Arun Choral Society
  • ‘The tenor, Jon English, was eminent, displaying a powerful ringing clarity.’
    Duncan Robertson, Arun Choral Society
  • ‘...the audience were fortunate indeed to be treated to the magnificent voice of Jon English in the title role; his dynamic range was truly impressive, and had us on the edge of our seats every time the tenor lead was featured. He displayed much more than mere technical competence, breathtaking though that was; sensitivity, conviction, commitment to the character he was portraying - all were demonstrated with patent sincerity, and swept his hearers along to believe in him - and with him.’
    David Gurney, Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society
  • ‘Particularly memorable were the quintet's "Credo" led by Jon English's powerful introduction, his aria "Benedictus"...."’
    Ronnie Mulryn, Stratford-upon-Avon Herald
  • ‘....offered pure, raw, Puccinian drama....’
    Mike Allen. The News. The Renaissance Choir
  • ‘Jon's subtle intonation captured human responses to an other-worldly intervention into power politics - from sympathy to awe to admiration.’
    Melvyn Walmsley, Ardingly Choral Society