John Craig Innes - The People's Tenor at the Grand Opera House York

John Innes is widely regarded as Scotland’s finest classical tenor today. His uniquely powerful and emotive voice has made him a favourite performer at major sporting events where he’s sung with Katherine Jenkins before crowds of up to 70,000. John returns to the concert halls once more on a new tour to benefit his chosen charity Help for Heroes. He is joined by his orchestra and/or military band, his brother the popular ‘big band singer, Moray Innes, plus soprano, Rebecca Newman.

Dubbed “The People’s Tenor” by fans and media alike, John Innes has been bringing popular operatic arias to the city centre streets, shopping malls and even sports stadiums across the UK and abroad for over ten years. Along the way he’s also managed to raise over £50,000 for various charities. In November 2008, John took a brave step into the unknown when he booked the Royal Concert Hall for the first time. He was hopeful that the same people who supported him in the streets would turn out to support him in the theatre. The risk paid off, and after filling the venue to bursting he was left with enough profit to help him fund an album using the famous City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and Russell Watson’s conductor, William Hayward. A dream come true for this Edinburgh lad. Earlier this year, with the help of The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, he created a charity CD for the Help for Heroes charity. As a former member of the Royal Scots Military Band, and with his brother Moray still serving with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, John felt compelled to use his talents to raise funds and awareness for this worthy charity that is dedicated to the rehabilitation of wounded Military personnel. John has toured extensively around the UK, both as a solo tenor and also with his five-piece operatic vocal group, Boheme, which he launched in 2005. The group raised several thousand pounds for Save The Children, a charity chosen by the group after the Asian Tsunami on Boxing Day 2004. The group, Boheme, and his format John Innes and Friends, sold out many venues across the UK. John began vocal training aged 28, following 15 years as a saxophonist, 3 years of which was with the Royal Scots Military Band. He moved to London to follow his dream to become an opera singer and undertook an opera course with Morley College. Following this he attempted to gain a place at the prestigious Opera Studios, and narrowly missed being accepted due to the lack of formal music education. This was a turning point for John, who then set out on his mission to take operatic music directly to the public. A decision that has touched the lives of thousands of people across the UK. John has performed at some impressive venues over the past few years, including The Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff, with Katherine Jenkins, and regularly performs at Headingley Stadium for Leeds Rhinos Rugby League and Union matches. Rhinos fans have dubbed him "Opera Man"! He has performed in various countries across the world and was a particularly big hit in the United Arab Emirates. If you’ve never ‘experienced LIVE’ the romance of Mario Lanza and the power of Pavarotti, don’t miss John Innes! Rebecca Newman Rebecca's singing has gone from strength to strength, especially in the past year. She is 'labeled' a soprano but her range can encompass 3 1/2 octaves. She is enjoying working on her classical repertoire but has also started developing her jazz repertoire and is keen to work on some composing projects, particularly using her soprano range instead of the usual lower songs. She has provided vocals for a hip hop album to be released early next year and she is now regularly involved in events on campus singing with Fenna Rhodes and some resident rappers! It has to be heard to be believed but the overall effect is getting a good following on campus. Working with Fenna (Michael) has enabled her to explore her creative side and take a hand in composing. She has recently completed her debut CD. You can find more details on the CD page. It has been very well received by family, friends and the people of York who have kindly bought a copy while she has been busking. Another CD is in the pipeline and next year she hopes to compile a CD accompanying herself on the harp. John Craig Innes will be performing at the Grand Opera House York on Sunday 3 October at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £22.50 and are available from box office on 0844 847 2322 or online at www.grandoperahouseyork.org.uk