Hailed as one of “Singapore’s finest operatic talents” (bakchormeeboy.com), Singaporean tenor David Charles Tay’s versatile artistry, expressive musicality and “voice of delightful warmth and impressive projection” (bachtrack.com) have established him in prominent operatic, concert and recital programs in Singapore and the USA in recent years. Notably, he is also the co-founder of The Opera People, one of Singapore’s most prolific and innovative opera companies. He has recently performed with the Bronx Opera Company, Bare Opera NYC, Dell’arte Opera Ensemble, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Red Dot Baroque. In recent seasons, Tay was also a featured artist with the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Tay earned his master’s degree at the New England Conservatory and his doctoral degree at the Manhattan School of Music.

Tay has performed more than 30 roles in the past 12 years where he has been described by Opera News as 

“a vocal standout”, “hypnotic, affecting and amusing” and having sung with “bold clarity”. Tay is also the Program Director of the Santa Fe International Music Festival in New Mexico, USA, where students from around the world are given opportunities to study with some of the world’s most renowned opera singers, such as Neil Rosenshein and James Morris. The festival takes pride in its multi-cultural focus, combining World Music with Western Classical works to further expand the rich and historical musical landscape of Santa Fe during the summer.

Tay is also a sought-after voice teacher, repertoire coach and choral clinician: he has been engaged as a vocal coach for the Anglo-Chinese Junior College choir and alumni choir since 2011, preparing them for concerts, recordings, international tours and competitions where the choir has attained top accolades. He has also conducted voice workshops for various school choirs and choral groups in Singapore and the USA. He maintains a private studio with students ranging from enthusiastic amateurs to emerging young professionals, some of whom have gained scholarships to top music conservatories in the USA.