Simon Butteriss is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of opera and musical theatre. Born in London in 1956, Butteriss grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a professional singer, and his mother was a pianist. From a young age, Butteriss showed a keen interest in music and began taking piano lessons at the age of six. Butteriss attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied singing and acting. He made his professional debut in 1980, playing the role of the Witch in a production of Hansel and Gretel. Over the next few years, he appeared in several productions in London's West End, including Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Cats. In 1987, Butteriss made his debut at the English National Opera, playing the role of the Major-Domo in Richard Strauss's opera Capriccio. This was followed by several other roles at the ENO, including the role of the Schoolmaster in Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen and the role of the Notary in Donizetti's Don Pasquale. Butteriss's career continued to flourish throughout the 1990s and 2000s. He appeared in several productions at the Royal Opera House in London, including the role of the Major-Domo in Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier and the role of the Doctor in Berg's Wozzeck. He also appeared in productions at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the Scottish Opera, and the Welsh National Opera. In addition to his work in opera, Butteriss has also made a name for himself in the world of musical theatre. He has appeared in several productions in London's West End, including the role of the Bishop of Digne in Les Misérables and the role of the Wizard in Wicked. He has also appeared in several productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, including The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, and H.M.S. Pinafore. Butteriss is also a respected conductor and director. He has conducted several productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, including The Mikado and The Pirates of Penzance. He has also directed several productions of these operettas, as well as productions of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and Rossini's The Barber of Seville. Throughout his career, Butteriss has received several awards and accolades for his work. In 1995, he was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical for his role in Les Misérables. In 2002, he was awarded the Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Rivals. He has also been nominated for several other awards, including the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role in Wicked. Butteriss is known for his versatility as a performer, his impeccable comic timing, and his ability to bring a sense of humor to even the most serious of roles. He is also known for his deep knowledge and love of classical music, which he shares with audiences through his performances and his writing. He has written several books on classical music, including The Musical: A Concise History and Gilbert and Sullivan: A Dual Biography. In addition to his work as a performer and writer, Butteriss is also a respected educator. He has taught at several institutions, including the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He is also a frequent guest lecturer and has given talks on classical music and opera at universities and music schools around the world.

More....