Soloist Biography

Harry Kersley’s passion for singing began when he was just seven years old. Faced between the unusual choice of becoming a semi-professional rugby player or singing classical repertoire, it was Harry’s love for opera that eventually won out. He began his career in music in earnest under the tutelage of internationally renowned Mezzo-soprano, Sally Bruce-Payne. Herself a postgraduate of the Royal College of Music, London. In 2012 Harry was offered a place on the college’s Gap Year Experience Program, an opportunity only afforded to those who show exceptionally high levels of ability and the potential to progress to a professional career in music. During that time he studied with Justin Lavender, one of the UK’s most esteemed operatic and concert tenors. Having completed his foundation in classical training Harry then began his Bachelor of Music specialising in performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. 

With his unique ability to blend the classical and contemporary Harry’s popular vocal stylings regularly feature at some of the country’s most prestigious concerts and charity events. He opened for the Child’s i Foundation’s black tie gala dinner at The Roof Gardens, Kensington supporting the important work to provide family homes for orphans in Uganda. He was also invited to perform at The Bet 365 arena in Stoke on Trent for The Boparan Charitable Trust a UK-wide charity which helps children with disabilities and life-limiting conditions. 

Harry is currently mentored at Trinity Laban by Lynton Atkinson a recipient of the Richard Tauber Competition which enabled him to study with Anton Dermota in Vienna. Lynton’s accomplished recording career included performances with the likes of Dame Janet Baker and Jose Carreras. Lynton has taken Harry’s vocal ability from strength to strength allowing him to mature into a promising young tenor. Lynton cast Harry in the two roles of First Priest and First Armed man in Mozart’s Magic Flute performed by Wessex Opera. Harry has also performed Handel’s Messiah on two occasions for both Bird College and Shalford choral societies. To add to his professional oratorio repertoire he also performed Maunder’s challenging Olivet to Calvary for Woodside Choral Society in Totton, Southampton.

 Harry’s most memorable soloist experience took place in July, 2016 when he was invited to perform in London International Sinfonia’s production of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly at The Cadogan Hall, where he played the role of Prince Yamadori whilst covering the role of Pinkerton. This was an invaluable experience where he shared the stage with experienced professionals such as Peter Knapp, Bei Bei Wang, Alberto Sousa, Stephanie Lewis and Simon Thorpe. 
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Harry’s most recent international training was undertaken at Voci nel Montefeltro, Novalfeltria in northern Italy. An intensive course focussing on the art of Bel Canto singing under the highly esteemed Meastro Ubaldo Fabbri. The course culminated with a performance in the Teatro Sociale, Novalfeltria where Harry performed Questa o Quella from Verdi’s Rigoletto an exceptionally challenging aria usually reserved for a seasoned performer. 

With Harry’s affable nature and his willingness to invest himself wholeheartedly in any project he takes part in, he’s not only an exceptional artist with a gifted voice but also a genuinely nice guy to be around.

Harry Kersley Tenor