Stories of our work
John Connell

Every Gift in every Will makes a difference. In 2009 we received a legacy from one of English National Opera's leading basses, John Connell.

John Connell was introduced to the performing life at a very young age. His mother was a singer and played novelty instruments, including the musical saw and mini concertina and his father was a comic. Together they were known as ‘Harper and Roze’.
 

John studied singing at the Royal Northern College of Music where his talent for opera flourished. He also had a passion for Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart and Miles Davis and considerable talent as a jazz pianist.

Through major awards, he was able to continue his studies at the National Opera Studio. It was here that Lord Harewood, then Managing Director of English National Opera (ENO), heard him and in 1985 offered him the role of Ramfis in Aïda. In 1986 he was made company principal and proved to be immensely popular with his colleagues and audiences. He went on to sing leading bass roles for a decade with ENO and other UK opera companies.

 

“ It was John’s love of music and, in his own words, the ‘wonderful art form in which [he] earned a living’ that compelled him to leave a lasting legacy.”

 When John was forced to give up singing due to ill health, we responded with immediate help. A severe stroke at the age of 43 ended his career prematurely and abruptly and on 23 March 2007 he died of a heart attack at the age of 50.

He remained grateful for the support and care he received during his final years. He wanted to ensure that, after his own death, help would be available to other musicians who may find themselves in similar circumstances to his own.

 We are grateful to musicians such as John Connell in communicating the importance of leaving a Gift in your Will. As the UK’s leading music charity, we care about music and musicians. If you do too, support our work with a Gift in your Will. Visit How you can help us