Simon O'Neill

Simon O'Neill was a grand finalist in the 2002 Metropolitan Opera National Auditions and joined the Met roster with Siegmund in Wagner's 'Die Walkure'. As well as Siegmund, O'Neill's repertoire also includes Wagner's Parsifal and Lohengrin, Canio in 'Pagliacci', title role in 'Idomeneo', Florestan in 'Fidelio', Sam in 'Susannah', Jenik in 'The Bartered Bride' and Don Jose in 'Carmen' to name a few.

Last season Simon O'Neill's role debut as Siegmund (in the new Ring Cycle at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden with Antonio Pappano) was received to wide critical acclaim. He was described as "the star"..."an exemplary Siegmund, terrific of voice"..." the finest I've heard"..."a towering presence" and "a turbo-charged tenor".

His 2008/09 season began with Siegmund in concert performances of Die Walkure with the West Eastern Divan Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim followed by his debut at the BBC Proms in Janacek's Glagolitic Mass conducted by Pierre Boulez as well as a concert of Ades' The Tempest at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. Next he sings Florestan in Fidelio at the Sao Carlos in Lisbon, Caesar in Antony and Cleopatra with the New York City Opera at Carnegie Hall, Sergei in Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk with Opera Australia at the Sydney Opera House, title role in Lohengrin at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden conducted by Antonio Pappano and will finish off with the Glagolitic Mass with the Orchestre de Paris conducted by Boulez.