Giles Tomkins

Bio

Canadian/British bass-baritone Giles Tomkins is widely praised for his vocal virtuosity and lyricism in an impressive range of repertoire. His rich, resonant voice brings “authority and power” to the concert and operatic stage.

In October 2018 Giles sang the role of Dr. Grenvil with Edmonton Opera in their production of La Traviata, a role he’ll repeat with Pacific Opera Victoria in February 2019. Giles was also seen in the 2018 premiere of James Rolfe’s new opera, The Overcoat, directed by Morris Panych and co-produced by Tapestry Opera, Canadian Stage Company and Vancouver Opera. Recent concert engagements have included Handel’s Dettingen Te Deum with Karen Schuessler Singers in London Ontario, Bach’s Peasant Cantata with Toronto Masque Theatre and Messiah with London Symphonia.

Mr. Tomkins’ operatic roles include Don Basilio (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Raimondo (Lucia di Lammermoor), Pistola (Falstaff), Superintendent Budd (Albert Herring), Leporello/Commendatore (Don Giovanni), and Sergeant of Police (Pirates of Penzance). He has been engaged by Vancouver Opera, Toronto Operetta Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria and Edmonton Opera.

Noted for his convincing portrayal of the philosopher Colline in La Bohème, Giles has performed the role with Scottish Opera, as well as with Saskatoon Opera, Manitoba Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria.

Of his role debut in Turandot with Edmonton Opera, Bill Rankin/Opera Canada wrote - "Giles Tomkins sang the role of Liu's master, the aged Timur, and he made the most of the small part with a lustrous tone and appropriately decrepit demeanour”. In 2017, Giles made his Canadian Opera Company debut as Sciarrone in Tosca.

Recent oratorio performances include Elijah with Vancouver Bach Choir, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Symphony New Brunswick, Dvorak’s Requiem with Chorus Niagara, St. John Passion with Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with Symphony Nova Scotia, as well as Messiah with the Elmer Iseler Singers, with Regina Symphony and with Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra.

On the contemporary music scene, Mr. Tomkins starred as Gandalf in Dean Burry’s The Hobbit with Canadian Childrens Opera Company and joined the cast of The Bells of Baddeck, Lorna MacDonald and Dean Burry’s music drama based on the life of Alexander Graham Bell.

October 2018