Giles Tomkins | Bass-Baritone
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.
Noted for his convincing portrayal of the philosopher Colline in La bohème, Giles sang this favourite role in Against the Grain Theatre’s acclaimed 2019 “divebar” touring production from the Yukon to Toronto. Giles has performed the role with Saskatoon Opera, Manitoba Opera and Pacific Opera Victoria. He was about to debut as Zuniga in Carmen with Manitoba Opera when the pandemic hit.
In 2021/22, Giles adds Bach Elgar Choir to his many Messiah performances, most recently with Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. He sang Dvorak’s Stabat Mater with Vancouver Symphony and looks forward to returning to Regina Symphony Orchestra for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
Giles portrays Don Alfonso in Edmonton Opera’s 2022 production of Cosi fan tutte, and Dr. Grenvil with Calgary Opera in La Traviata. Acclaimed operatic roles for Giles include Timur (Turandot), Raimondo (Lucia di Lammermoor), Pistola (Falstaff), Superintendent Budd (Albert Herring), Leporello/Commendatore (Don Giovanni), and Sergeant of Police Pirates of Penzance). His comedic talents as Don Basilio in Barber of Seville have been the highlight of productions throughout Canada.
Contemporary works include Gandalf in The Hobbit (Burry) with Canadian Children’s Opera Company and Khodozat in The Overcoat (Rolfe/Panych) a co-production of Canadian Stage/Tapestry Opera/Vancouver Opera.
Giles is featured in several OperaBreaks videos directed by François Racine and produced by Domoney Artists during the pandemic.