The King’s Singers have announced Piers Connor Kennedy to the ensemble as their next bass, starting in January 2025, following the departure of Jonathan Howard after 14 years with the ensemble. 

Speaking about the audition process, which came to an end last week, the group said: '...from an excellent pool of candidates Kennedy made a real impression on the group with the richness and warmth of his low range, his clear and present musicianship and his entertaining performances.'

In the years since his degree in Music from Oxford University, Kennedy has enjoyed a career combining singing and composing. Alongside studying for a doctorate in composition at Oxford, he has written commissions for the Three Choirs Festival, Wigmore Hall, Ex Cathedra, and held a composing residency at St Peter’s College, Oxford. His choral work has included performing with The Tallis Scholars, Tenebrae and Sansara, amongst others.

From now until his first concert (the date for which is still to be confirmed), Kennedy will undertake a ‘shadowing’ period, joining the group for some of their touring commitments, rehearse with them, and begin all the other preparations for beginning this next chapter, including starting work learning a large amount of the group’s repertoire. 

Kennedy said of his appointment: ‘I’m very humbled, chuffed and excited to be the 29th King’s Singer. It’s a real ‘pinch me’ moment! Johnny leaves enormous shoes to fill, literally and figuratively, and as a fan it’ll be an odd experience not hearing him as part of the group in the future! But I can’t wait to get started and to make amazing music with these very fine chaps’.

Howard said: 'Piers is an extraordinary singer, musician and performer, who bowled us all over throughout the audition process. He’s also an extremely lovely, funny, ferociously intelligent and generous guy. I can’t wait for all of our friends and fans across the world to meet him and enjoy his talent, and feel very proud to be handing the bass mantle on to somebody so deserving after 14 very happy years as a King’s Singer’. 

Howard will continue touring and performing with the group internationally for the coming seven months. Kennedy will become the 29th King's Singer and the fifth bass since the group's inception, succeeding Jonathan Howard (2010-2024), Stephen Connolly (1988-2010), Colin Mason (1982-1987), and Brian Kay (1968-1982).

kingssingers.com