Jonathan Story began singing in 2001 at the age of 61, and now regularly gives concerts, solo, or in gala where he has interpreted such roles as the Inquisitor, Gremin or Ferrando.As of 2019, he has sung in 20 operas including such roles such Ramfis, Bartolo, Sarastro, Giorgio, Commendatore, Frère Lawrence, Sparafucile, Monteron, Raimondo, Dr Grenvil, Alcindoro. He sings oratorio, notably at the Salzburg Franziskanerkirche, and is part of the city’s Oper im Berg ensemble.
The critic of the Neue Merkur, Vienna’s leading opera journal, described him as an “ ideal Raimondo, a melodious, heart warming voice , with “Sarastro” depths, expressive phrasing, powerful accentuation and impressive presence”. Kurt Widmer commented : ” it would be hard indeed to find anyone to interpret Sarastro or Phillip in such a unique way. A wonder, both as singer and as a person.”
Jonathan Story feels at ease with the Russian classical repertoire, and gives regular concerts of Russian folk music, with Nicholas Kedroff on the balalaika. He is also at ease with European composers of the classical and romantic period, and has been much inspired by Paul Robeson, the famous bass and early leader of the American civil rights movement. He gives concerts with Touve Ratovondrahety, who works with the Paris opera ballet, in improvised interpretations of the Afro-American folk repertoire.
In London, Jonathan Story studies voice with Robert Lloyd, and with Conny Prestl in Salzburg, where he has attended master classes led by Horiana Branisteanu, Ruggiero Raimondi , Kurt Widmer and by Maya Pushkina in Moscow. He received a “Premier Prix pour Chant Lyrique”, and a “Prix d’Excellence pour Chant” at the Léopold-Béllan Concours in Paris in May 2011, earned a “very distinguished musician” accolade at the IBLA Grand Prize Competition in Sicily in July 2011, along with a Rossini Special Mention. His musical blog is attached here: http://jonathanstorybass.co.uk/audio/
He continues his academic work, with books, chapters and articles on Brexit, global energy, the Euro, international trade, and China. He regularly posts articles about European or world affairs on his blog: http://storybookreview.wordpress.com Information: 00 43 676 9606 106, and email: jonathan.story@insead.edu
