RICHARD TAYLOR, BARITONE
“Wally Taylor”
Richard Taylor received his Bachelor and Masters Degrees in voice from the University of Michigan, where he was awarded first prize in their Concerto Competition. While there he was a student of Dr. Willis Patterson. He began his professional career with the Michigan Opera Theatre singing the role of Jake in “Porgy and Bess”. He continued his career touring China with the Pacific Chorale singing the title role in the oratorio “Elijah”. He toured the United States and Europe with the Houston Grand Opera as a featured performer.
Richard Taylor sang his first Scarpia for the Anchorage Opera. He appeared as soloist in the world premiere of Earnestine Rodgers-Robinson’s “The Nativity” at Carnegie Hall. He also debuted in Carnegie Hall singing the Faure’ and Verdi Requiems under the direction of Donald Neun. His debut with Opera San Jose was the title role in Verdi’s “Rigoletto”. In Barcelona, Spain he performed as soloist in the “Verdi Requiem”. He sang with the Nevada Opera as Leporello in Mozart’s
“Don Giovanni”, and appeared as a soloist in Bach’s Mass in b minor with the Memphis and Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra’s.
Richard has worked with many noted conductors throughout the world including; Antal Dorati, Robert Shaw, John Alexander, and Donald Nuen. He made his Carnegie Hall debut as soloist in the Requiem’s of Mozart and Faure. As part of John Hopkin’s University’s distinguished concert series Mr. Taylor performed as both singer and jazz bassist in a celebration of the musical genius of George Gershwin. He also appeared with the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra to perform songs of Charles Ives. During Richards professional career he has been honored to perform with many professional organizations. Including; Michigan Opera Theatre, Opera Pacific, Pacific Chorale, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Long Beach Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, Southbend Symphony Orchestra, Spirit Chorale of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Baritones.
In 2003 Richard Taylor became a founding member of the Los Angeles Baritones.
