Acting
William Shimell
William Shimell, born on September 23, 1952, in Brentwood, Essex, is a distinguished English baritone whose illustrious career in opera and concert performance has spanned several decades since the 1980s. Recently, he has ventured into acting, taking on non-singing roles in films.
Shimell honed his craft at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, followed by training at the National Opera Studio. His remarkable talent was acknowledged early on, with critics praising his standout performance as Figaro for its rich and expressive baritone qualities.
In 1978, Shimell joined Kent Opera, where he performed various roles including an usher in Rigoletto and Venus and Adonis. His breakthrough with English National Opera included portraying Masetto in Don Giovanni in 1980, followed by notable performances in productions of Romeo and Juliet and Otello. He made his Glyndebourne debut as Count Almaviva in 1984 and later sang Baron Dourlinski at La Scala in 1991.
His Covent Garden debut in La bohème occurred in 1985, and he continued to perform major roles in various operas, including Così fan tutte and Werther. Shimell also graced the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, making his debut in 1996.
Honored with the Shell International Opera Prize in 1983, he participated in the Last Night of the Proms in 1984. His film career began through a collaboration with director Abbas Kiarostami, leading to roles in *Certified Copy* (2010) and *Amour* (2012). Shimell's discography includes key performances in works by Mozart, Vaughan Williams, and Bach, showcasing his versatile artistry.
