British bass-baritone Edward Birchinall is a recent graduate of the Royal College of Music International Opera Studio, where he studied with Russell Smythe. Edward was grateful to be supported in his studies by The Countess of Munster Trust and Help Musicians UK. While at the College, he sang The Gamekeeper The Cunning Little Vixen, Figaro Le nozze di Figaro, and Don Iñigo Gomez L’heure Espagnole. In spring 2026 Edward performed Don Alfonso Così fan tutte as an Opera Holland Park Young Artist, further adding to his experience in Mozart roles having made his Italian debut as Leporello Don Giovanni at the Da Ponte Festival (2025). In summer 2025, he also joined the Verbier Festival Atelier Lyrique, making his Swiss debut as Guccio Gianni Schicchi alongside Sir Bryn Terfel in the title role, and was a member of the Glyndebourne Chorus.
"Bass-baritone Edward Birchinall as the Gamekeeper is a name to watch"
The Observer
Edward also has great enthusiasm for Art Song, and has performed in recital, and in competition across the UK and Europe on stages such as Wigmore Hall; Église de Verbier; Snape Maltings; Jugendstiltheater Vienna; St Giles Cathedral Edinburgh; and North Norfolk Music Festival, including a climate change awareness concert series through Dublin, London, Paris, and Salzburg called 'Open Your Eyes', curated by Iain Burnside. In 2026, he will take part in both the 15. Internationaler Wettbewerb für Liedkunst Stuttgart and the 18e Concours International de la mélodie de Gordes.
Before joining the RCM International Opera Studio, he first studied for a bachelor’s in music at the University of Edinburgh, and then the Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he obtained a master’s in vocal performance (distinction). During his studies he was a Britten Pears Artist, working with Véronique Gens and Susan Manoff on French mélodie, was awarded prizes including the Anne Wyburd Prize for Lied Performance, a Concert Recital Diploma, and 3rd prize in the Maureen Lehane Vocal Awards. As a child, Edward was a chorister at Ely Cathedral before making his operatic debut at English National Opera as one of the three spirits, in Nicholas Hytner’s Production of The Magic Flute.
Photography: Ben Reason
