Jonathan Guest Of Placido Domingo

Today’s the day!  This evening, at 9pm UK time, iTunes will broadcast live the finale of the iTunes Festival starring Placido Domingo. Have a told you he’s my second favourite tenor?  Possibly!  As we already know Placido has invited Jonathan to be his special guest so Fantoines are very excited.  Many have managed to get the free tickets and will be travelling to London for the event.

For those of you who are having difficulty accessing the live broadcast let me help if I can.  Firstly you need to download the iTunes app because you won’t be able to access the broadcast without it.  Apologies for the link applying only to OSX (the operating system for Macs) but because I use a Mac it tends to automatically send me to the Mac site.

If you use a PC, Android device or iPad just google ‘iTunes for xxx' (your device) although I’m not sure it will work on devices. Desktop computers and laptops are your best bet.

Don’t forget to register the app as I don’t think you will gain access without doing that.

Once you’ve downloaded the app then all you have to do is google 'iTunes festival 2014’ and you will automatically be directed, through iTunes, to the page. At 9pm the live broadcast should appear on the main page.

If anyone is unable to view it live, I understand iTunes will make it available to all, free of charge, for a few days after the event.

May I wish all the Fantoines, who are lucky enough to attend, a wonderful evening.  At times like this I regret living 500+ miles from London but we can all join in the fun with this free broadcast.

I do hope it works for all of you.


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Interview in the Sunday Express

Another fabulous photograph from Jonathan’s publicity photoshoot.  It’s fast becoming a Fantoines favourite. I think the photographer is Darren Bell but hope to have that confirmed shortly.

Did you see the Sunday Express today?  It had a super article about Jonathan.  You can read it here.

I had a wee smile when I read his Mum Tracy ‘sits in quietly on the interview’.  Tracy, along with his sister Charlotte and his Dad John, have taken on the role of Jonathan’s unofficial managers - in the absence of any official management - and are doing a splendid job. Well done the Antoine family who are loved by so many of us.

This week brings more excitement.  Post to follow. Tweet

Balcony Shows Wow The Public

Apologies for not keeping you all informed daily of Jonathan’s travels but I’ve a wee retina problem in one eye and am trying not to spend much time on the computer.  (Trying being the word!)

Jonathan’s Balcony Show tour of England and Wales this week has been a massive success.  Well done to Sony for organising this so well and congratulations to Jonathan for magnificent performances on each occasion.

After Manchester he travelled to Birmingham where he sang from the balcony at Pizza Express in the Bullring. He’s pictured above with the manager of Pizza Express, Sam Rahman, who posted the photograph on Jonathan’s Facebook page.

Onwards to Cardiff on Saturday where many fans had gathered to hear his last balcony performance.  The wonderful Chris Needs was there to rally the crowds while Fantoines rushed around distributing flyers to everyone.

In the coming week I hope to post a video or two if I can get permission from the owners.

There’s no doubt Jonathan’s first CD is going to be a sell out and signed copies of it and vinyl are available here. These are limited editions and selling very fast so get your orders in now.

If you attended any of the Balcony Shows it would be good to hear your thoughts so please comment at the end of this post.  Thanks.


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Jonathan in Manchester (video)

I’m hoping Lindsay doesn’t mind me posting this here. I did ask her permission and her reply was ambiguous as I don’t think she saw my comment on Facebook.

It seems it was raining in Manchester this afternoon and cool, yet here in the Highlands it was sunny, warm and 21 degrees. Is it any wonder the folk in the British Isles always speak about ‘the weather’.

Scotland isn’t always cold, damp and wet!

Sit back, relax and enjoy. Thank you very much Lindsay. I don’t think you realise you’ve made so very many Fantoines, who don’t use Facebook or Twitter, very happy. I think this is a super recording considering it was done on a mobile phone.

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Newcastle Discovering Jonathan Antoine (video)

This one is courtesy of Gillian.  Dare I say the 60s words ‘ it’s smashing’?  Rather like his debut CD will be - but we all know that don’t we?

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Jonathan in Newcastle (videos)

Apologies for the delay in posting but slight vision problems here owing to old age!

Here are some videos from Carol and her expert video cameraman Robert who were present.  They aren’t all the videos taken but I’ve been given permission by Carol to post them. 

Thank you so much Carol.

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Homage to Jonathan (video)

The lovely Sandra Flip Flop Guard Wright has given me permission to post her Homage to Jonathan video here.  She made it as a tribute to Jonathan prior to his album release on 13 October.

Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did. Tweet

Jonathan to be the Guest of Placido Domingo

There’s more exciting news.  Rather like buses, we wait for some time, then two or more come along at the same time.

However, this news is exciting.

Jonathan is to be the guest of Placido Domingo (my second favourite tenor) at the iTunes Festival on Saturday 30 September.  The concert will take place at the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8EH.  This concert is the Festival’s last one and obviously it’s intended it finishes on a very high note (excuse the pun).  For legal reasons tickets are only available to those resident in the UK.

Tickets are free but it’s a lottery.  You can apply to win free tickets here. No travel or accommodation is included should you win tickets.  Please read the FAQs on the same page and note that should you be lucky enough to win tickets, you must confirm before the 72-hour deadline, so check your email daily.

According to the programme Placido will start at approximately 9.00pm and performances finish around 10.30pm.  All ticket holders must in there by 8.00pm.

However, all is not lost for those who don’t win tickets because iTunes say:

Fans around the world can watch it for free — live or for a limited time afterward — with iTunes on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or computer, or big screen with Apple TV.

There are several ways to watch shows both live or afterwards for a limited time: Via the iTunes Store on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or computer. Using Apple TV (select iTunes Festival from the main menu) or using AirPlay. To learn more visit www.itunes.com/festival.

You can download iTunes here.  If you use a Windows computer or Windows device click on the link after the Mac information.

I’ve never watched a live stream on iTunes before but I intend to do so before the 30 September - just to ensure it works for me.

Good luck if you apply for tickets.

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Jonathan’s Balcony Shows - This Week

This weekend Jonathan announced a list of dates where he will be performing in Balcony Shows around England and Wales.  For those who don’t know what Balcony Shows are - I confess I didn’t until told - they can be best described as the equivalent of a Flash Mob of One and completely free.

It is short notice for fans but the aim is for Jonathan to be heard by the general public.  A great idea isn’t it?

The free shows will take place during lunchtimes and no exact time has been given in the schedule so I presume they will take place between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm.

I will list then here and also in the Events Page.

Wednesday 24 September -  The Thistle Hotel, Newcastle

Thursday 25 September -  Manchester Cathedral

Friday 26 September -  Pizza Express, Bull Ring, Birmingham

Saturday 27 September -   Castle Arcade, Cardiff

Jonathan has said on his Facebook page that he will be singing outdoors at these venues so be prepared to look for him there.

Note:  The graphic of a new card I designed is above.  I understand someone is having a similar one printed but that won’t be in time for the Balcony Shows so if anyone would like for use this one to print some for their own use, please help yourself.


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A Little Piece of Florida

Some of you may think this video has nothing to do with Jonathan, but as his family loves to holiday in Florida, it does have a slight connection.

It was sent to me by a Fantoine, Sandra Cashes, who lives in Florida and works in this splendid environment. Thank you Sandra.

Perhaps the Antoine family may come and visit you while they’re over there on holiday.  I know they read this blog and Jonathan adores animals, so don’t be surprised if they turn up on your doorstep! Tweet

Another Date for your Diary

On Tuesday Jonathan announced another performance date with Raymond Gubbay’s Last Night of the Autumn Proms.  

This time the venue is the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend and the date is Sunday 30 November.

Please note this concert starts at 3.00pm which I think is a sensible time as we will be well into the early darkness of winter.

To book tickets please click this link. One Fantoine, who lives near Southend, said the venue is lovely.  If I lived nearer, instead of over 500 miles away, I would have loved to spend a winter’s afternoon at such an event - plus having the thrill of hearing my favourite tenor! Tweet

TENORE - Release Dates for the US, Canada and Japan

Image courtesy of Bjarne Hemmingsen

Sony Masterworks have taken on board requests for TENORE to be available in the US and Canada.

It is to be released in the US on 4 November and in Canada and Japan on 14 October. 

For those of you overseas how are hesitant about using Amazon’s UK site to order your copy(s) now you can do it comfortably if you live in the US, Canada or Japan.  At present MP3 is only available through iTunes and Amazon UK but that may change.  I’ll keep you updated.

Before you ask, I have no idea why the delay in releasing it in the US.  Perhaps it’s something to do with logistics or Sony US has decided to wait a couple of weeks to let it become the best album of the year in the UK (which of course it will be!)

Oh, while you’re on the TENORE page in Amazon, please add the CD to your ‘Wish List’.  I understand this boosts the Amazon charts and it doesn’t cost you anything.  Tweet

Not One But Seven Performances!

Image courtesy of Kath Christensen

Thanks Kath.

We have a saying here about waiting for a bus.  Sometimes the wait can be lengthy - then two turn up together.  

There is great excitement in the Fantoine world because Jonathan has announced he will be performing at two events. One event is repeated six times hence the title of this post.  His CD will have been released by then so there’s great anticipation about his song choice.

The first event is the Last Night of the Autumn Proms which is being held in the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester on Saturday 18 October at 7.30pm.  Jonathan is appearing as the 'special guest' at this venue and I believe there are still a few tickets available. Please click on the link above for further information.

The second event, Classical Spectacular November 2014, takes place in the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London with six performances from Thursday 20 November to Sunday 23 November.  This annual event is extremely popular and tickets are a rarity I am told, but there may be some available, particularly for the Thursday performance. There are matinee and evening performances on the Saturday and Sunday.  Once again Jonathan is billed as the ‘special guest’.

Isn’t it marvellous to see him breaking through into the ‘big time’? 

Fantoines will be present to support him at most, if not all, performances.  The only reason they wouldn’t be there is because tickets were sold out.  The Albert Hall shows are regularly sold out well in advance.

I have placed the dates on the Events page which can be accessed from the link at the top of the page.

If you would like to go to any of Jonathan’s performances but are uneasy about attending alone, please email me (address over there >>) and I will do my best to see if it would be possible for you to meet up with other Fantoines after the show.

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We Will Follow Him (video by Sonya)

Another fantastic video from Sonya.  Thanks so much. Tweet

You’ll Smile Back I Know You Will!

This photo, for me, is wonderful.  Jonathan looks so happy and I defy anyone not to smile when they see it.

It was a post on Jonathan’s Facebook page last week.  Here’s the full post for those of you who don’t use Facebook.

Thank you so much to Tara - as always lovely to see you atThe Box Hairdressing and she is just so great with those scissors!  A big thank you to Unite UK for the wonderful products, their things are amazing as I've told some of you before!  Tweet

TENORE Now Available on MP3

TENORE is now available for pre-order on MP3 via Amazon.co.uk or iTunes. Please click on the links to pre-order.

Once you have ordered you will be able to download the first track La donna é mobile.

It seems the download may not be available outside the UK and UK Fantoines are trying to pressure Sony Masterworks into changing that policy, but if anyone has a problem please email me and I’ll see if I can help.

The blog email address is over there. >>

If you do manage to download it don’t forget to write a review!  Thanks. Tweet

The Track List Beautifully Enhanced

Isn’t this just great?  It was created by Maria who lives in Holland. Maria has been to hear Jonathan in concert in England and she’s a great fan (obviously!) 

Lovely to have the whole playlist in such a clever design.  Thanks Maria.

Please click on the image to make it as large as you want. Tweet