Christopher Tonkin – Baritone

Australian baritone Christopher Tonkin has forged an international reputation as a naturally charismatic performer, blending dramatic power and commitment with exceptional vocal prowess. From the grandeur and scale of the Royal Albert Hall, to the neo-classical opulence of Staatstheater Hannover and the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House, Christopher has commanded many of the world’s premier stages.

Comfortable across a broad dramatic spectrum, Christopher’s impassioned and entertaining performances have captivated audiences across Australia, Europe, the UK and Asia for almost two decades. His rich baritone voice, combined with deft characterisation, a powerful stage presence and natural comic timing have made him a versatile singing actor. These traits have won Tonkin praise at the highest level for his performances of such contrasting roles as Marcello (La Bohème), Valentin (Faust), The Count (The Marriage of Figaro) and Belcore (Elixir of Love).

Christopher’s consummate and nuanced musicianship has allowed him to embrace a diverse range of repertoire from the baroque to the 20th and 21st centuries. He has performed challenging modern roles such as Chou En-lai (Nixon in China), Black Minister (La Fura Dels Baus) in Ligeti’s Le Grand Macabre, as well as having sung the bass solos of Graun’s Der Tod Jesu for the prestigious Lucerne Festival, under the baton of celebrated baroque specialist Howard Arman, and Messiah for both Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

Early recognition of Christopher’s talents came in the form of numerous awards and scholarships while under the tutelage of Gerald English and Raymond Connell. Honing his craft at the Royal Academy of Music’s elite opera studio, Christopher had the opportunity to work with such industry luminaries as Sir Colin Davis, John Copley, Anthony Legge and Steuart Bedford. Soon after this, Christopher commenced a six-year residency as principal baritone at Staatsoper Hannover in Germany. During this time he built a dedicated following, performing over 30 roles from Rameau, to Britten, to Kurt Weill, and shared the stage with opera greats from across the globe including José Cura, Linda Watson, Helen Donath and Klaus Florian Vogt.

In his native Australia, Christopher has continued to make an impact in productions from the epic to the intimate. For Opera Australia, he was widely lauded for his Marcello in Gale Edwards’ La Bohème, including performances on the monumental stage of Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. His performance as The Count in Capriccio, alongside Cheryl Barker and Michael Lewis, and directed by opera royalty John Cox, was described as “simply superb” (Opera Insider). For Victorian Opera, he won praise for his portrayal of Guglielmo (Così fan tutte), Belcore (The Elixir of Love) and Chou En-lai (Nixon in China), as well as Don Giovanni for Melbourne Opera. In the intimate confines of Western Australia’s Lost and Found Opera, he shone as Sam in Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti. As a concert soloist, Christopher maintains a broad repertoire and has featured with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Lucerne Festival and Adelaide Festival.

Whether on an opera stage or a concert platform, Christopher has affirmed his reputation as one of Australia’s brightest exports and a formidable force in the operatic world.