Mark
was born in Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK, in 1961. He holds
a B.A in Political Sociology and an MSc in Science and
Technology Policy Studies. He was also a research fellow
at Sussex University for 3 years.
He studied singing with the late Elisabeth Abercrombie,
and Dennis Wicks (both pupils of Yani Strasser), and
with Laura Sarti and Robert Alderson. He has worked
with many leading coaches at the Royal Opera House,
Glydebourne and English National Opera.
Mark has always had a passion for music and theatre.
At University he actively participated in the Theatre,
lighting many shows, and organising and running a company
performing at the Edinburgh Festival. Whilst at Sussex
University, he worked as an actor during the season
at Glyndebourne, gaining valuable stage experience.
His professional singing career started in 1987 after
auditioning for the international Opera Director, Graham
Vick. Mark's debut was as Pistola in the CBTO's acclaimed
production of Falstaff. After appearing as Sarastro
in CBTO's production of The Magic Flute, he was invited
to audition for the Royal Opera House as principal bass,
joining the company in August 1999. He remained at the
Royal Opera House for 6 years, performing many roles
with the worlds leading singers and conductors.
In 1996, Mark went Freelance, and took engagements a
variety of Leading Opera Houses, including Welsh National
Opera, The Chatalet, Nantes and English National Opera.
In 1998 he joined ENO as principal Bass, whilst continuing
his freelance work.
Mark is now fully freelance again, and has worked at Nantes, Tours, all over Holland, Barcelona, Glyndebourne, Monte Carlo and of course Covent Garden.
He lives in Sussex with his wife Jan and his two children
Natasha and Gregory.
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