Chazan Jonny Turgel
Jonny has served as Chazan of Stanmore Synagogue since 2011 and is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in Anglo-Jewry today.
Having trained under a number of distinguished chazzanim and internationally renowned vocal coaches in both the UK and abroad, Jonny has developed a distinctive style that blends the richness of traditional chazzanut with contemporary musical influences. His warm, expressive and engaging approach has earned him a reputation for connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
A lead soloist with the acclaimed Shabbaton Choir, Jonny has been a regular participant in the choir’s celebrated Choral Midnight Selichot service since the age of 18, alongside Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld. His powerful and emotive singing has featured in numerous concerts, commemorative events and productions throughout the UK and internationally.
As the grandson of two Holocaust survivors, Jonny is deeply committed to Holocaust remembrance and education. He has officiated and performed at many of Anglo-Jewry’s most significant commemorative occasions, including the UK’s national Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony on multiple occasions. His appearances have been featured on the BBC, ITV and other major broadcasters, and he has performed before members of the Royal Family, Prime Ministers and senior political leaders. In November 2023, Jonny performed in Parliament Square at the Campaign Against Antisemitism solidarity rally attended by over 100,000 people.
Jonny is also known for leading the annual Bnei Akiva Yom Ha’atzmaut Hallel service at Kinloss Synagogue, an event affectionately referred to by many attendees as the “service of the year”. Recordings of the service are viewed by thousands each year and have become a highlight of the modern orthodox calendar.
One of Jonny’s greatest passions is singing beneath the chuppah and helping couples create meaningful and unforgettable wedding ceremonies. Highly sought-after internationally, he has officiated at weddings across the UK, Europe, Israel and North America, travelling as far as Houston, Texas. Working closely with each couple, Jonny creates bespoke musical experiences, blending traditional liturgy with carefully selected contemporary melodies to reflect their unique personalities and vision for the day.
Alongside his synagogue and wedding work, Jonny has collaborated extensively with Mizrachi UK, presenting large-scale musical productions and commemorative programmes across communities in the UK, Israel and the United States, including performances in Jerusalem, Netanya, Miami, Boca Raton and Chicago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was involved in producing a series of professionally filmed musical presentations combining narration, visual storytelling and music around the Jewish festivals, reaching audiences worldwide.
Away from the bimah, Jonny is an accomplished Speech and Language Therapist specialising in voice disorders. After graduating from University College London with First Class Honours in Hebrew and Jewish Studies, he went on to achieve a Distinction in his MSc in Speech and Language Therapy. He now runs a successful private practice in North West London, where he specialises in the assessment and treatment of professional voice users and individuals with voice difficulties.
Prior to his appointment at Stanmore Synagogue, Jonny served as Chazan of Edgware United Synagogue for four years and was previously part-time Chazan at Mill Hill Synagogue.
Through his unique combination of musical excellence, warmth, professionalism and authenticity, Jonny continues to inspire communities around the world through prayer, music and education.