The King's Singers announce new bass, 23 year-old Jonathan Howard

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Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble The King's Singers are delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan Howard as the newest member of the group. Jonathan, who is 23 years old and a graduate of New College, Oxford, will replace current bass Stephen Connolly when he departs the group to take a position as Head of Vocal Studies at Cheltenham Ladies' College this September. The King's Singers' new album, Swimming Over London, which is Stephen Connolly's last complete album with the group, was released today.
Upon learning of his appointment, Jonathan said, "It is an absolute dream come true for me to have the opportunity to perform for a living with such wonderful colleagues and singers, particularly since almost every small-consort or close-harmony venture I have done in the past has been inspired by their work. I am thrilled to accept the post, and cannot wait to start as a full-time member in October. Even now, I'm still in shock that this is actually happening."
Stephen Connolly, departing member, said, "I am thrilled that we have managed to find such an energized and talented musician as Johnny. He will be a real asset to the group and brings with him a wonderful timbre of voice as well as a freshness that will help propel The King's Singers well into the future. I can't wait to hear him in concert!"
In addition to his work as a singer, Jonathan also plays violin, viola and piano, has performed in various opera and dramatic productions, and appeared as one of the "Clever" guests on the BBC3 television series "Clever v. Stupid" in the summer of 2009. An accomplished sportsman with several awards and medals to his name, Jonathan's passion for classical music began at his school, Christ's Hospital in Horsham, West Sussex. He was the recipient of a choral scholarship to New College, where he participated in numerous tours and recordings with the renowned New College Choir.
Jonathan's first concert with The King's Singers will be in Aix-les-Bains, France on October 1. The King's Singers will give over 120 live concerts in the upcoming season, including tours to France, Germany, Estonia, Sweden, Italy, Bermuda, the United States, Canada, Spain, Bulgaria, Austria and The Netherlands in addition to concerts in their native United Kingdom. Their vast repertoire spans over 1000 pieces, ranging from arrangements of Michael Bublé to Pachelbel's Vespers.
Featuring a diverse array of songs, Swimming Over London--which releases in the States today--captures jazz classics, current hits, and more, all arranged, performed, and recorded with the meticulous attention to detail and artistry that has established The King's Singers as one of the finest vocal ensembles throughout their history. The new release includes five original songs, arranged by some of the foremost composers and arrangers in contemporary a cappella music.

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