John Powell

Musical Director

The Tatton Singers are fortunate to be directed by inspiring conductor John Powell. In 2005, John took TS under his wing and transformed an enthusiastic community choir into an adventurous, skilful choir capable of excellent performances of challenging works. John's leadership attracts exceptional soloists and orchestral accompaniment for concerts. Some choir members travel significant distances to sing in TS due to the repertoire, atmosphere and training.

John Powell has been involved in music in Manchester for over 45 years – initially on the staff at Chetham’s and as a member of the BBC Northern Singers, more recently as a freelance conductor, singer and singing teacher. He also conducts Bolton Festival Choir and its offshoot, the Phoenix Choir, and his own chamber group, the John Powell Singers, heard on BBC Radio nearly 200 times. John worked for the National Youth Choir for over 25 years and until recently taught singing at the University of York. John teaches privately and in 2020 he was appointed Musical Director of Wigan Choral Society. John is also very active as a festival adjudicator with the British and International Federation of Festivals.
John particularly enjoys preparing singers for special events. Recent major projects have included Bernstein's Chichester Psalms at the RNCM, Bach's Mass in B Minor in Knutsford, Vaughan Williams's Dona nobis pacem in Bolton, concert tours of Iceland, Lithuania and Slovenia and several recordings of 19th Century opera under the legendary conductor Richard Bonynge.

This season's activities range from a workshop for the North East Early Music Forum in York to music by the jazz pianist George Shearing in Wigan and a concert at Ulverston International Music Festival, to mark the forthcoming Coronation.
As a singer John has had a long career in radio choirs as well as performing a wide range of oratorio from Monteverdi to Tippett. He has taken part in contemporary opera, including two premieres, and is always keen to explore new and unusual repertoire. Recitals have been a key part of his work for several decades – including two performances for The Manchester Mid-day Concerts Society. In 2017 he completed a series of forty recitals with his long-term accompanist, the late Russell Lomas – performing Schubert's great song-cycle Winterreise. He now sings in recital with Elin Rees.