Jonathon De Vere, born Michael Jonathon McLaughlin, emerged onto the scene on June 13, in the charming town of Bellshill, Scotland. At the tender age of five, he bid farewell to his Scottish roots and relocated to London with his father and four older sisters. This marked the beginning of a lifelong journey that would be deeply intertwined with the world of music.
As a young pupil, Jonathon discovered his passion for music, initially expressing himself through the violin and singing. He became an integral part of his school's orchestra, rising to the position of lead violinist, and simultaneously showcased his impressive vocal range by singing with the teachers' choir. His talents did not go unnoticed, and he soon found himself joining the prestigious St George's Cathedral choir as a 'Pueri Cantores' at the age of eight.
For the next nine years, Jonathon remained an integral part of the choir, eventually ascending to the esteemed position of Head Chorister, a title he held for two years. During this period, the choir embarked on numerous European tours, performing at iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame in Paris, St Mark's Basilica in Venice, and the Vatican Square in Rome. The highlight of his time with the choir was a private audience with the Pope, followed by a solo performance for Pope John Paul II on Easter Sunday in Vatican Square.
As he entered his late teenage years, Jonathon's academic pursuits took precedence, and he attended Mountview Theatre School in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, life had other plans, and he found himself taking on a series of working-class jobs, including several years at Marks and Spencer's Marble Arch store.
In 1997, Jonathon enrolled at Southbank University, London, where he studied BA Business Management for three years. To support his education, he worked a variety of jobs, including chauffeur and club bouncer. Although he was not actively pursuing a career in music, Jonathon remained deeply connected to the world of theatre, often found backstage in London's Theatreland from his mid-teens to early thirties. His brother-in-law worked behind the scenes for Stoll Moss Theatres, and Jonathon would frequently attend performances and learn from the professionals.
Jonathon's musical journey resumed in the mid-2000s, when he was asked to sing at a friend's wedding. This sparked a renewed passion for music, and in 2012, he joined The Royal Choral Society, performing at esteemed venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, The Barbican, and Kenwood House.
In 2015, Jonathon became a fully fledged member of The Actors Guild GB, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey. Despite the twists and turns his life has taken, Jonathon De Vere has remained true to his passion for music, and his story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of following one's dreams.
