BIOGRAPHY
Jordan Bell was born in the United Kingdom but moved to the Sudan when he was two years old. He spent most of his childhood in the Middle East, shared between the Sudan and Saudi Arabia, before moving back to Britain, having gained a place studying mathematics and philosophy at Oxford University. He later specialised in philosophy and presented his doctorate on Immanuel Kant. He currently teaches philosophy and logic at the University.
Whilst in the Sudan, his lifetime interest for Gilbert and Sullivan operas was kindled by recordings by the renowned D'Oyly Carte Company and he spent many hours listening and memorising the roles, which, in combination with his vast performance experience, has led to his unrivalled, in-depth knowledge of the genre.
Whilst at Oxford, he took the opportunity to sing and act in many of the University's productions and also became the President of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
His performing experience stretches from parts such as Marcello (La bohème), Malatesta (Don Pasquale), Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte), Leporello (Don Giovanni) and Figaro
(Le nozze di Figaro) to all major comic baritone Gilbert and Sullivan roles, including Ko-Ko (The Mikado), Bunthorne (Patience), Scaphio (Utopia Limited), King Gama (Princess Ida), the Duke of Plaza-Toro (The Gondoliers), Sir Despard (Ruddigore), and John Wellington Wells (The Sorcerer). He has performed at venues such as Buxton Opera House, Wilton's Music Hall in London, Grim's Dyke Hotel (formerly W. S. Gilbert's home), and many of the country's major stately homes and has studied with leading performers such as Emma Kirkby, Gidon Saks, Quentin Hayes and Susan McCulloch.
Specialising in Gilbert and Sullivan, he has all of the patter baritone roles in his repertoire and is able to step in at very short notice, with minimal rehearsal. His interpretations of patter songs are not only performed at an impressive speed but he also manages to portray full, three dimensional characters who make the audience both laugh and cry. In 2011 he won the Best Charactor Actor Award for his portrayal of the Duke of Plaza-Toro (The Gondoliers) at the Buxton International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. The adjudicator and famous G & S soprano Gillian Humphreys called his performance 'incredible', saying he had 'wonderful comic effect' and was 'the star of the evening'.
Reviews of other roles include:
His pretentious poet Bunthorne deservedly received the best applause of the evening.” – Lynne Patrick, Derbyshire Times
“The highlight of the evening was Sullivan’s The Lost Chord sung here in fine declamatory style by Jordan Bell whose rich, powerful baritone was ideally suited to this dramatic piece. Wonderful stuff.” – Nicola Lisle, Oxford Times
In addition to having experience of both French and Arabic, he has studied Italian at the highest level at Oxford University Programme in Languages, and continues to complement his command of the language at Dilit International House in Rome. He has also immersed himself in the study of German at the Internationales Kulturinstitut in Vienna, and is persuing his studies at Oxford.
Jordan currently studies singing with Sara Wallander-Ross and has, outside singing, a great interest in running, ballroom dancing and vintage clothing, particularly from the 1930's and - 40's.
Whilst in the Sudan, his lifetime interest for Gilbert and Sullivan operas was kindled by recordings by the renowned D'Oyly Carte Company and he spent many hours listening and memorising the roles, which, in combination with his vast performance experience, has led to his unrivalled, in-depth knowledge of the genre.
Whilst at Oxford, he took the opportunity to sing and act in many of the University's productions and also became the President of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society.
His performing experience stretches from parts such as Marcello (La bohème), Malatesta (Don Pasquale), Don Alfonso (Così fan tutte), Leporello (Don Giovanni) and Figaro
(Le nozze di Figaro) to all major comic baritone Gilbert and Sullivan roles, including Ko-Ko (The Mikado), Bunthorne (Patience), Scaphio (Utopia Limited), King Gama (Princess Ida), the Duke of Plaza-Toro (The Gondoliers), Sir Despard (Ruddigore), and John Wellington Wells (The Sorcerer). He has performed at venues such as Buxton Opera House, Wilton's Music Hall in London, Grim's Dyke Hotel (formerly W. S. Gilbert's home), and many of the country's major stately homes and has studied with leading performers such as Emma Kirkby, Gidon Saks, Quentin Hayes and Susan McCulloch.
Specialising in Gilbert and Sullivan, he has all of the patter baritone roles in his repertoire and is able to step in at very short notice, with minimal rehearsal. His interpretations of patter songs are not only performed at an impressive speed but he also manages to portray full, three dimensional characters who make the audience both laugh and cry. In 2011 he won the Best Charactor Actor Award for his portrayal of the Duke of Plaza-Toro (The Gondoliers) at the Buxton International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. The adjudicator and famous G & S soprano Gillian Humphreys called his performance 'incredible', saying he had 'wonderful comic effect' and was 'the star of the evening'.
Reviews of other roles include:
His pretentious poet Bunthorne deservedly received the best applause of the evening.” – Lynne Patrick, Derbyshire Times
“The highlight of the evening was Sullivan’s The Lost Chord sung here in fine declamatory style by Jordan Bell whose rich, powerful baritone was ideally suited to this dramatic piece. Wonderful stuff.” – Nicola Lisle, Oxford Times
In addition to having experience of both French and Arabic, he has studied Italian at the highest level at Oxford University Programme in Languages, and continues to complement his command of the language at Dilit International House in Rome. He has also immersed himself in the study of German at the Internationales Kulturinstitut in Vienna, and is persuing his studies at Oxford.
Jordan currently studies singing with Sara Wallander-Ross and has, outside singing, a great interest in running, ballroom dancing and vintage clothing, particularly from the 1930's and - 40's.
Running
Outside of his professional life, Jordan is a keen runner and has participated in the British Heart Foundation runs at Blenheim Palace and the Muscular Dystrophy UK Town and Gown runs in the City of Oxford.
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Philosophy
As well as being a skilled performer, Jordan teaches philosophy and logic at St Hugh's College, Oxford University. He also offers private tuition. For contact, please use the button below.
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Languages
Jordan has studied Italian at the highest level at Oxford University Programme in Languages.
He has also attend courses in German at the Internationales Kulturinstitut in Vienna, and is continuing his studies at Oxford University. |
