Jonathan Peter Kenny

Jonathan Peter Kenny serves as Repertoire Professor and Baroque Specialist at the Royal College of Music Opera Studio, where he has been on faculty since 2006. Based in the Vocal Studies department within the Vocal & Opera school, Professor Kenny brings extensive professional performance experience to his teaching role.

Professor Kenny's research and performance interests focus on historical performance practices, particularly Baroque repertoire. His expertise spans vocal technique, opera staging, and period instrument collaboration, with special emphasis on Handel's works having performed 14 Handel operas and 13 oratorios throughout his career. His approach integrates scholarly understanding of historical contexts with practical vocal pedagogy.

As founder director of the Old Street Band, Professor Kenny maintains active engagement with period instrument performance, having conducted numerous Handel operas across the UK, Italy, and Netherlands, as well as premiering contemporary works on period instruments. His performance edition of Tamerlano has been presented internationally in Dublin, London, Melbourne, Lisbon and Prague.

Professor Kenny's career trajectory from professional singer to conductor and educator informs his teaching methodology, emphasizing the connection between historical performance practice and contemporary vocal training. His work with the RCM Opera Studio specifically addresses the technical and stylistic requirements of Baroque opera performance.