Twitter Barihunk Submission: Simon Dyer

Simon Dyer

British Bass-Barihunk Simon Dyer, who recently performed the Bear in Walton's The Bear and Mr. Grinder in Sullivan's The Zoo at Odyssey Opera, was recently introduced to us via Twitter.

The singer, who began his studies at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in England, is now based in the U.S. after having completed his studies at the Boston Conservatory of Music. He'll be returning to the school to perform The Immigration Officer in a rare American production of Jonathan Dove's comedic opera Flight at the Boston Conservatory of Music from November 19-22. The story is set entirely at an airport terminal, where a storm had stranded passengers, whose lives become a twisted plot of love, regret, injustice, sex, and boredom.

This Fall, he'll return to the U.K. to compete in the Wigmore Hall International Song Competition with the pianist Lindsay Albert. You can listen to him online HERE.

During his time in London, he performed with the Blackheath Halls Community Opera, Thrapston Plaza Opera, Oxbridge Opera and Go Opera. He performed the role of Death in the U.K. premiere of Gregory Rose’s Danse Macabre, conducted by the composer. In 2013, he performed with the Philip Glass ensemble for the 75th birthday celebrations of the composer at Barbican Hall in a performance of Koyaanisqatsi

James Newby taking on ill-fated romantic leads

James Newby as Eugene Onegin in London

British barihunk James Newby is performing two very different lovers, both of whom don't see their stories end too well. He just wrapped up a run in the title role of Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin at St Andrews Church in London and will return to the venue from April 11-16 when he sings Don Giovanni with the Moon-Little Theatre. We'll have additional details soon.

We first featured James Newby back in August 2013, when the 20-year-old rugby-playing baritone was brought to our attention via Twitter (follow him @jamesn103) . He is currently in his third year of study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. Newby previously studied with barihunk Omar Ebrahim, who blew up our site when he went for the Full Monty in a post.

We subsequently featured him with vlogger Davey Wavey as part of the barbershop quartet Short, Back and Sides singing "To Russia With (Gay) Love.” The video showed the worldwide support for LGBT Russians from people across the globe. Check out their website and their selection of soundclips.

If you love great low voices, visiting Artist in Voice at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music Matthew Rose will perform Schubert’s Die Winterreise with pianist Gary Matthewman on February 6th as part of their Chapel Concert Series. The event is free, but requires tickets.