Jon Christos

Infobox musical artist
Name = Jon Christos
Img_size = 200px
Background = musician
Born = Birth date and age|1976|3|23|df=y
Origin = Salford, England
Genre = Classical, Crossover (music).
Years_active = 2004-present
Label = [http://www.rootsmusicgroup.com/ Roots Music Group]
URL = [http://www.jonchristos.com Jon Christos.com]

Jon Christos (born John Christodoulou 23 March 1976, Salford, England) is an English singer, pianist, arranger conductor and radio personality. [ Details of Christos arranging and conducting various tracks from his" Northern Light" album appear within the album's cover booklet ]

A classically trained tenor, he is best known for his recordings of operatically-styled crossover music.

Biography

Early years and education

Born John Christodoulou in Salford to a British mother and a Greek Cypriot father. He started playing the violin at the age of 4, quickly changing to the piano. He studied at the renowned Chethams School of Music in Manchester and then the Royal Northern College of Music. [ [http://archive.thisislancashire.co.uk/1998/6/16/798935.html This Is Lancashire - Music night from 'over the pond' ] ] [ [http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/music/classical_and_opera/s/176/176309_christos_the_new_voice_of_salford.html Manchester Evening News, scholarship references] ]

Whilst at the RNCM Christos took lead tenor roles, such as Tamino in Mozart's "The Magic Flute" and Count Almaviva in the college's production of Rossini's "The Barber of Seville" performed at the Aix-en-Provence music festival in Southern France. Around this time he sang Ernesto in Clonter Opera's production of Donizetti's Don Pasquale. [ [http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/whats-on-newcastle-north-east/music-gigs-newcastle-north-east/2002/09/04/something-for-everyone-79310-12171537/ Something for everyone - Sunday Sun ] ]

In 1996 he made his Manchester Bridgewater Hall debut in Berlioz's L'Enfance du Christ under Kent Nagano.He has also performed many times in major oratorios, such as Handel's Messiah, as well as works such as Verdi's Requiem at venues including the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Festival Hall. [ [http://www.freechurch.u-net.com/saddleworth_musical_society.html saddleworth_musical_society ] ]

“Chasing the dream”

Deciding on a change in direction, Christos approached the manager and producer Perry Hughes which led to the release of Christos' debut album "Northern Light", [http://www.allaboutmanchester.com/people/jon-christos.php All About Manchester ] ] followed by the a Granada TV documentary, in their "Chasing The Dream" series. [ [http://www.locatetv.com/tv/chasing-the-dream/341139 Chasing the Dream - (Season 1 Episode 1) | LocateTV ] ] This included footage of Christos' trip to the USA on 6 September 2005, to perform with Erich Kunzel and his Cincinnati Pops Orchestra at a special "9/11" commemorative concert. [ [http://www.cincinnatipops.org/Musicians/GuestArtists/Christos.asp Laura Pedersen ] ] "Northern Light" reached number 9 in the classical albums charts. [ [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20051021/ai_n15721816) "THE CHARTS: Music"] The Independent 21 Oct 2005]

2006–present

In July 2006 Christos accompanied conductor and composer Carl Davis in a "Sports Symphony" themed concert in Pamplona, Spain. [ [http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.nortejoven.com/foro/tema1206.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=10&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522Jon%2BChristos%2522%2Bpamplona%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7SUNA] Google translation from Spanish] He again performed with Davis, in October 2006 with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Glasgow and Edinburgh [http://living.scotsman.com/features/RSNO--Sporting-Scores-with.2820866.jp Edinburgh concert review] and in May 2007 with the Halle Orchestra at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall. [ [http://www.halle.co.uk/publishedSite/p_sat19may07.asp The Hallé ] ] Christos also accompanied Davis in June 2007 at James Bond theme concerts with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, [ [http://commanderbond.net/article/4144 James Bond Night At The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic In June - James Bond 007 - CommanderBond.net - James Bond At Its Best ] ] and the next month at Leeds Castle in Kent. [ [http://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/site/latest-news/2007/5/30/leeds-castle-summer-concerts-a159 Latest News - South East England Website ] ]

In the summer of 2007 Christos headlined the Northern Proms in Durham. [http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0300entertainment/0600theatre/tm_headline=jon-s-riverside-proms&method=full&objectid=18966587&siteid=50081-name_page.h] In the winter he sang at the Professional Footballers' Association Centenary Match at the City of Manchester Stadium and the following gala Centenary dinner at Manchester's G-Mex centre [ [http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/03122007/8/photo/singers-jon-christos-natasha-marsh-entertain-guests-dinner.html Singers Jon Christos and Natasha Marsh entertain the guests after dinner - Yahoo! Eurosport UK ] ] with Natasha Marsh, he also performed with Alfie Boe and Garðar Thór Cortes as the new Three Tenors at the launch of the new Cunard Line ship the MS Queen Victoria at Southampton in the presence of Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. [ [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1572093/Camilla-names-the-Queen-Victoria-liner.html Camilla names the Queen Victoria liner - Telegraph ] ]

During 2008 Christos's notable performances included, Friday Night is Music Night from the Chichester Festival Theatre, "Music For Champions", with Carl Davis,Birmingham Symphony Hall. [ [http://www.cbso.co.uk/?page=concerts/viewConcert.html&cid=1459&m=&y= FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: MUSIC FOR CHAMPIONS - City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra ] ] and the televised Professional Footballers' Association awards Grosvenor House Hotel.In the summer Christos returned to Hyde Park, Hyde, Greater Manchester for a third consecutive time supporting the Manchester Camerata.In the autumn he sang with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic under the direction of Anthony Inglis, the Welsh Guards Band and Natasha Marsh before over 2,000 people in Liverpool Cathedral to commemorate the final visit of of RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 to the port.Dignitaries attending included the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Simon Weston, Beryl Bainbridge and John Prescott. [ [http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/10/04/thousands-say-last-goodbye-to-the-qe2-queen-of-seas-64375-21962958/ thousands-say-last-goodbye-to-the-qe2-queen-of-seas] ]

TV and Radio

In 2005 Christos performed on a ITV Christmas Eve service from Norwich Cathedral with Rick Astley and Hayley Westenra. [ [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2005/12/23/bvfestive23.xml&page=2 What's on TV this Christmas? - Telegraph ] ]

During 2006, he performed on BBC 1's Songs of Praise show, appeared on ITV in an Easter Service, the ITV lunchtime chat show Today with Des and Mel, and on a special ITV "Act of Worship Peace Service" again from Norwich Cathedral. [ [http://www.easf.org.uk/more.php?id=340 Peace Service at Norwich Cathedral held by ITV1 ] ]

He also performed on BBC Radio 2's long-running Friday Night is Music Night show. [http://www.bbc.co.uk/orchestras/concertorchestra/concert_diary/fnimn_20070810.shtml A BBC Radio2 Friday Night is Music Night concert programme 14.Aug.2007] and was a judge on the BBC Radio 2's Young Chorister of the Year competition [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/suffolk/content/articles/2005/11/07/young_chorister_feature.shtml BBC - Suffolk - Faith - BBC Young Chorister of the Year ] ]

During 2007 Christos began his own radio show, "Sacred Thoughts", on Premier Christian Radio, in which he plays and performs a selection of sacred and uplifting songs. In additon he currently presents a weekly popular music radio series for BBC Radio Lancashire.

porting events

Christos has performed at a number of high profile sporting events, including appearances at the Powergen Rugby Cup Final at Twickenham, the Heineken Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and was credited as the first man to sing at the new Wembley Stadium. [ [http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/music/classical_and_opera/s/1005/1005513_christos_wins_race_to_sing_at_wembley.html Manchester Evening News, Christos wins race to sing at Wembley] ] In 2008 he sang at the opening ceremony of the FINA World Swimming Championships at the Manchester Evening News Arena, [ [http://www.speedo80.com/manchester2008/news/2008/4/9/opening-ceremony-kicks-of-the-champions Speedo: Manchester 2008 9th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) ] ] and also at a tribute to some of Great Bitains's Olympic and Paralympic medallists, including three times cycling gold medallist Chris Hoy. [ [http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1071130_city_pays_tribute_to_olympic_heroes Olympic athletes tribute] ] Other sporting venues he has performed at are the City of Manchester Stadium, the Reebok Stadium Bolton and the Willows, home of his local Rugby League team Salford City Reds.

Charity Work

Christos is an Ambassador for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition, IIMSAM, in support of the United Nations MDGs. [ [http://72.47.220.167/stvm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=238 IIMSAM Art for a Culture of Peace: Special Advisers and Goodwill Ambassadors] ] The IIMSAM works to promote the use of micro-algae Spirulina (Spirulina Platensis) to counter malnutrition and its severe negative impacts especially in the Developing and Least Developed Countries. [ [http://www.iimsam.org/ IIMSAM home page] ] Other charities he has supported include The Red Cross, The Kirsty Howard's Appeal, The Prince’s Trust, Help The Aged, Variety, the Children's Charity, Christie Hospital Alder Hey Children's Hospital and the Five Stars Scanners Appeal for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Coeliac disease

Christos first began to experience stomach problems in October 2006, with the pain severe enough to cause problems with his singing. On the way to a concert in Scotland in November he had a complete blackout. The results of blood tests in March 2007 confirmed he was suffering from Coeliac disease, an autoimmune disease that can only be treated by the strict removal of gluten from the diet. [ [http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/lifestyle/health_and_beauty/health_and_beauty_feature/s/1006/1006908_coeliacs_search_for_diagnosis.html Manchester Eveniing News Coelic disease feature] ]

Other

Christos is a distant cousin of singer George Michael. He has been vocal coach to cricketer Andrew Flintoff. [http://thewisdencricketer.com/item.php?parent_id=12&child_id=12&item_id=270 Wisden] Although an avid Manchester City F.C. fan, Christos sang at Manchester Cathedral for the wedding of Manchester United F.C. star Gary Neville. [ [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-462430/Nice-day-WAG-wedding-Neville-Gerrard-Carrick-hitched.html Nice day for a WAG wedding! Neville, Gerrard and Carrick get hitched | Mail Online ] ]

Discography

In addition to his debut album "Northern Light", Christos has appeared on several compilation albums, including the chart hits "The Number One Classical Album 2008", "The Opera Album 2006" and "A Classic Christmas" alongside tracks by Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli,and Juan Diego Flórez.

Albums:
*"Northern Light" (2005)
*"The Opera Album 2006" (2006) features "Caruso"
*"A Treasury of Hymns" (2006) features "Jerusalem"
*"Manchester City: The Album" (2005) features "Blue Moon" and "City Till I Die/Funiculi Funicula"
*"The Number One Classical Album 2006" (2005) features "Jubilate Domum"
*"A Classic Christmas" (2006) features "Jubilate Domum"
*"Songs for Sunday" (2007) features "Jerusalem"
*"The Number One Classical Album 2008" (2007) features "Non ti scordar di me"
*"Poetry Serenade" (2008)

References

External links

* [http://www.jonchristos.com Christos' official site]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES79-Z4zZqY Video from BBC1s Songs of Praise]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gupPMLg6omk Video of Christos singing "Jubilate Domum"]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGpBLJUEmt8 Video of Christos singing "All or Nothing"]
* [http://www.myspace.com/jonchristos Christos's MySpace profile]
* [http://www.allaboutmanchester.com/people/jon-christos.php Interview with Christos]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/articles/2008/05/09/why_we_love_jon_christos_feature.shtml BBC Radio Lancashire 'Why we love.Jon Christos']
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/image_galleries/jon_christos_gallery.shtml?1 Christos meets...picture galleries]