John Powell was born in London and educated in Somerset and at Cambridge University. He has spent much of his life in Manchester and his musical activities have always centred around choirs and singers and he devotes his time to conducting, singing and teaching. He teaches privately and is a tutor with the National Youth Choir.
He formed the John Powell Singers in 1979 - a choir which regularly presents The Daily Service on BBC Radio 4. John also directs the University of Bolton choral workshops and since 2005 he has been the Musical Director of the Tatton Singers.
Recent projects include conducting The Dream of Gerontius at the Royal Northern College of Music and training the chorus for Belshazzar’s Feast at the Bridgewater Hall.
He sings with the BBC Daily Service Singers and performs in recitals and oratorio. He particularly enjoys exploring new and unusual repertoire.