Simon Long – Tenor, DipMusT, MISM has enjoyed performing many varying roles in musicals and operetta. Here he can combine both his love of acting and singing. His previous roles include Don Jose in Carmen, Tony in West Side Story, Billy Bigelow in Carousel and Nanki Pooh in The Mikado. In 1999 he fulfilled a childhood ambition when he sang at the Royal Albert Hall in a Three Tenors tribute. Simon studied voice in Bergamo, Milan, Italy with Maestro Marcello Merlini (Tenor). He includes Italian Opera, Neapolitan Folk songs and English Song in his recital repertoire. Simon also founded and runs Fine Voice Academy offering Italian based vocal training, performance opportunities and tuition and entry to Grade and Diplomas in Singing and Musical Theatre.
Acting roles that have performed Include Alfredo in Die Fledermaus, Don Jose in Carmen, Camille in The Merry Widow, Tony in West Side Story and Billy in Carousel, South Pacific, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady and selection of G&S principles roles.
He has performed pure acting roles, including male leads in “Trelawny of the Wells” by Arthur Wing Pinero and “Lend me a Tenor” a comedy by Ken Ludwig as well as various sketches and reviews. He trained in acting and vocal production at the Alternative Drama School, Crystal Palace, London from 1984-87.
Classically trained with a Spinto Tenor possessing a great range with a clear bright top C, both powerful and delicate with rich colourful tones that are delivered with allure and passion.
With a wealth of experience in operetta and musicals, he has amassed a large repertoire of songs, Neapolitan Folk songs, ballads and operatic arias.
Over the last few years, he has performed in and across the UK and Wales and has performed in recitals and festivals across northern Italy in Verona, Sirmione, Brescia, Monzambano and Bienno. He has also performed in Slovakia where he also lectured for an EU funded educational conference to educators across the whole of Europe on how singing and creativity in learning.
After receiving many individual requests to teach singing he took a teaching diploma (DipMusT) which he passed with distinction. This has proved very popular and he is in great demand.