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Richard Sheldon has been called "the number
one Savoyard now living in
America." Born and raised in England, he has enjoyed a life-long interest
in the works of William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. He quickly became known for his knack with the "Savoy
Operas" - or what we know better as the works of Gilbert and Sullivan.
His extensive background in music and theater
has afforded the opportunity to work with many well known artists from the
famed D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, most notably as principal comedian with
Gilbert And Sullivan For All under the late Donald Adams, D'Oyly Carte
principal Bass for over 15 years.
In 1965 Mr. Sheldon came to America to ensure the future of high-quality,
authentic, traditional Gilbert and Sullivan on the American stage. He
established Opera A La Carte in 1970. From humble beginnings as a concert
ensemble, the company quickly blossomed because of Sheldon's exacting
artistic standards and the authenticity of its presentations. More than 30 years
later, Opera A La Carte is known as the foremost Gilbert and Sullivan
repertory company in the country.
For his own performances Mr. Sheldon has received outstanding praise:
"a fine practitioner of Gilbertian patter and Sullivanian lyricism"
Los Angeles Times
"a G&S performer of the first rank"
The Sacramento Bee
"Sheldon was perfect as [Sir Joseph]"
The Sun - Lowell, Massachusetts
"a Major-General of supreme, crusty authority . . . superior, in fact, to any
Major-General who trod the D'Oyly Carte boards . . . ."
Los Angeles Times
Likewise, as stage director, his talents have received high recognition:
"Sheldon's stage direction and the musical ensemble displayed routined
professionalism and a strong company profile. The staging, clean of line
and smoothly executed, follows traditional formulae with clever
extrapolations."
Los Angeles Times
His lectures and master
classes show him to be an exceptional scholar of the art form or, as one local critic
observed, "a true disciple of the Gilbert and Sullivan tradition."
Richard Sheldon directs and performs in all of Opera A La Carte's
productions, concerts and educational programs; he also teaches courses and
workshops in the art form and enjoys appearances and directorships with
orchestras and opera companies nationwide.
Though the success of Opera A La Carte carries with it a heavy work load, Mr.
Sheldon always makes himself available as a guest artist, director and lecturer.
If you are looking to add an unprecedented breath of authenticity to your
Gilbert and Sullivan project, you might consider engaging a
master craftsman. (Click here for more
information).
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