Bass-baritone Giles Tomkins is in demand as one of Canada’s leading young singers, widely recognized for his vocal virtuosity and lyricism in an impressive range of repertoire. Mr. Tomkins’ performances in the United Kingdom include
King Arthur (Purcell) at the Aldeburgh Festival,
Colline in a touring production of Puccini’s
La Bohème with Scottish Opera, and the European premiere of Queen of Puddings Music Theatre’s production of
The Midnight Court at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Recent operatic roles for Giles include
Don Alfonso in
Cosi fan Tutte at Tanglewood (conducted by James Levine), and
Don Basilio in
Il Barbiere de Siviglia (Scottish Opera) directed by Sir Thomas Allen. Giles starred as
Pedro in James Rolfe’s new opera
Ines with Queen of Puddings Music Theatre and joined the cast of
La Bohème as
Colline with Saskatoon Opera.
In 2009 Giles appeared as
Christus in Toronto Bach Consort’s performance of
St. John Passion with Yannick Nezet-Seguin, conductor. Mr. Tomkins joined the cast for Dean Burry’s rollicking
“A Mummer’s Masque” with Toronto Masque Theatre, and sang the role of
Dr. Grenvil in Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of
La Traviata.
Giles began his busy 2010/11 season at the Cervantino Festival in Mexico, in a Soundstreams Canada concert
with renowned Mexican percussion ensemble Tambuco, followed by
Messiah with Elmer Iseler Singers and Hamilton’s Bach Elgar Choir. Returning to Pacific Opera Victoria, as
Colline in
La Bohème, Mr. Tomkins also sang the role of
Dr. Grenvil in Vancouver Opera’s production of
La Traviata (Jonathan Miller, director) and debuted with Vancouver Bach Choir in Berlioz’s
Damnation of Faust.
Giles looks forward to debuts with Opera Hamilton (Don Basilio,
Il Barbiere di Siviliglia), Symphony Nova Scotia (
The Dublin Messiah) and Windsor Symphony Orchestra (Bach’s
Christmas Oratorio). Mr. Tomkins sings the title role in Verdi’s
Oberto with Opera in Concert, and in April 2012 is
Colline in a concert performance of
La Bohème with Kingston Symphony Orchestra.
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