Iestyn Davies

After studying archaeology and anthropology at St John’s College, Cambridge, Iestyn Davies continued his education at the Royal Acad­emy of Music, London. An esteemed Handelian, he has delighted audiences globally with his vocal agility and supreme musicianship in roles such as Orlando, Rinaldo, Bertarido (Rodelinda), Ottone (Agrippina), and David (Saul). Committed also to contemporary music, his intelligent and considered interpretations have led to fruitful collaborations with Thomas Adés, George Benjamin, and Nico Muhly.

During the current season, Davies will create the role of Jørgen Tesman in the world premiere of Hedda Gabler by Vasco Mendoça for the Dutch National Opera; sing Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Teatro Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, and appear as Didymus in Theodora with the Monteverdi Choir and Christophe Rousset on a tour of South America and Europe. The countertenor makes a return to London’s Barbican Centre to perform works by John Dowland in the “theatrical meditation’ An Anatomy of Melancholy and continues his current recital tour of the US with harpist Oliver Wass. Other concert plans include Bach cantatas with Les Violons du Roy, Handel’s Messiah with the Philadelphia Orchestra, and recitals in Shanghai with guitarist Sergio Bucheli.

An outstanding recitalist, Davies has performed in Vienna, Tokyo, Paris, and New York in repertoire ranging from Dowland to Eric Clapton. He is a regular favorite at London’s Wigmore Hall and Kings Place, where he has curated several residencies, most recently a weekend at Wigmore Hall honoring John Dowland on the 400th anniversary of the composer’s death.

Davies’ recital discs have won three Gramophone Awards, and he can be heard on the Grammy-winning recording of Thomas Adès’ The Tempest. He is the recipient of a Royal Philharmonic Society Award and was nominated for an Olivier Award for his singing role in Farinelli and the King opposite Mark Rylance (premiered at London’s Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and transferred to the West End and Broadway). In 2017, he was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to music. Davies received a TAPA (Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts) Award for Outstanding Performance by an Individual in 2026 following his performances as Orfeo with the Canadian Opera Company.