Jonathan Sells took first class honours with distinction in the BA degree (Music) at Christ’s College, Cambridge, following this with an MPhil in Musicology at Trinity College, Cambridge. He founded the Solomon Choir and Orchestra in 2008 and has conducted Handel’s Messiah with them in Cambridge and London to critical acclaim.
Whilst in Cambridge he conducted the twentieth-century music society in Varèse, Prokofiev and Nielsen, and often directed the Cambridge University Baroque Ensemble, [Cu3e] – which he co-founded in 2002 – notably in a performance of J. S. Bach’s cantata BWV 170, Vergnügte Ruh with Benjamin Williamson at West Road Concert Hall, Cambridge. Another highlight was an all-Beethoven programme with the Beethoven Philharmonic Orchestra, including the “Eroica” symphony and Piano Concerto No. 2 with soloist Jennie-Helen Moston, in the Chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge. He has conducted various choirs, including that of Christ’s College, Cambridge, and has appeared at the Royal Schools of Church Music Choirs Festival. He was Musical Director of a run of Sullivan’s Utopia Unlimited at the Minack Theatre, Cornwall.Jonathan’s other job is as an opera singer, currently studying with Janice Chapman on the opera course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He was selected by William Christie for the Jardin des Voix world tour 2007, and thereafter has appeared with Les Arts Florissants in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, New York; Palais Garnier, Paris; Teatro Real, Madrid; Barbican Centre, London; and Chapelle Royale, Palais de Versailles. This year he will be singing Prime Minister in Sallinen’s The King goes forth to France (GSMD), performing in Julius Drake’s Leeds Lieder + Festival and touring as a soloist with Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
