Background
Under the name of John Hahessy ( his father was from Carrick-on-Suir, CoWaterford, Ireland ) he had considerable success as a boy soprano - from British Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts and recordings with Decca to concerts with such conductors as Benjamin Britten.
Career
Born in Lewisham, London he was Head Chorister in the choir of Westminster Cathedral, London. His musical and vocal education were furthered by the eminent harpsichordist George Malcolm, the then Director of Music. He made the 1st recording of Benjamin Britten"s Canticle "Abraham and Isaac", singing the role of Isaac, accompanied by the composer.
Britten later dedicated his "Corpus Christi Carol" to him.
He went on to study at the Royal College of Music, and made his stage debut as a tenor in 1968 at The Proms. John Elwes is particularly well known for his sensitive and musical performances.
His repertoire is extensive ranging from Monteverdi, Rameau, Bach and Handel to Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Mahler and Britten. He regularly performs with the leading conductors of baroque, classical and contemporary music