Go Compare tenor joins opera board
mainThe Welsh Opera singer Wynne Evans, known for his UK role as Gio Compario in the Go Compare insurance adverts – as been appointed a trustee of Grange Park Opera, Surrey.
‘It may come as a surprise to some people, but yes I really am a bone fida opera singer, and opera is my first passion. I am beyond excited to join the team at Grange Park Opera, where I’ve enjoyed some of the most atmospheri performances of my career, and have even bought a new tie and pocket square in honour of the occasion.
‘If anyone from GoCompare is reading, it goes without saying that comparing insurance comes a very close second to opera in terms of passion areas in my life. I will do everything I can to support Grange Park Opera, Surrey, in delivering its vision, and
am honoured to be appointed a trustee for this dynamic organisation.’
Any relation to the late great Gerant Evans?
I don’t think so.
An “opera singer”? Really? With which companies has he performed and in which rôles?
Several roles at Opera North. Remember seeing him in La Rondine, lovely singer before getting Go Compare gig.
What what?? Someone on telly can sing????
Evans enjoys a close association with Welsh National Opera[6] where his roles include Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore,[7] Cassio in Otello (S4C Broadcast),[8] The Duke in Rigoletto, Rodolfo in La bohème, Pedrillo in Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Alfredo in La traviata, Jaquino in Leonore (BBC Broadcast), the Schoolmaster in The Cunning Little Vixen, the Chevalier in Les Dialogues des Carmelites, the Italian Tenor in Der Rosenkavalier, the First Jew in Salome (S4C and BBC Broadcast), Liberto in L’incoronazione di Poppea, Brighella in Ariadne auf Naxos and Alfred in Die Fledermaus.[1]
He made his debut at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden singing Vakula in the new production of Cherevichki.[1] In 2011 Evans sang in Mark-Anthony Turnage’s opera Anna Nicole, based on the life of Anna Nicole Smith at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
For Opera de Lyon he has sung Gianni Schicchi, Il Tabarro and The Cunning Little Vixen For English National Opera Evans has sung Alfredo in La Traviata, Spoletta and Cavaradossi in Tosca, and Second Jew in Salome. For Opera North he has appeared as Fenton in Falstaff, Prunier in La Rondine and Paulino in The Secret Marriage. For Scottish Opera his roles include Tamino in Die Zauberflöte and the Italian Tenor in Der Rosenkavalier. For Grange Park Opera he has performed the roles of Trufaldino The Love for Three Oranges the Italian Tenor Capriccio the Schoolmaster in The Cunning Little Vixen and Harry in La fanciulla del West.[8] For the Classical Opera Company Evans sang the role of Fracasso in La finta semplice. Other credits include Orpheus in Orpheus in the Underworld for Opera Holland Park and The Peacock in Param Vir’s Broken Strings for the Almeida Theatre, which was recorded for the BBC.[1
Takes about two seconds to put his name into wikipedia and see a whole heap of stuff he’s done for WNO inter alia. I also remember him as a soloist in Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music at the 2001 First Night of the Proms… So yes, I think he can call himself an opera singer, without the sneering quote marks.
Brilliant riposte Dr.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wynne_Evans
Thank you, Lady Bracknell.
“It may come as a surprise to some people, but yes I really am a bone fida opera singer… .”
Why I’m acting a crazed shill is anyone’s best guess.
Wynne is a beautiful singer who has been smart enough to use his fabulous personality and sense of humour as an asset in diversifying his career. Listen to this live version of the Lord’s Prayer through to the end. He demonstrates in one song that he has all the tools of an international lyric tenor, both the voice and the ability to sing with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsD232ibqhk&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0PEgFjn0U4O2HONCsb8A_yuDKIF6nG94G5PWLBGjnoEsP-VTHiOnUlq-U
Peter Philips you need to get out more and hear good singing.
The link of him singing The Lord’s Prayer (in Welsh) says it all – for me at any rate – and over a career of about 40 years, I have played with a whole range of TOP line singers in this country.
No relation to Geraint. Evans is a common last name in Wales. I read once that he is the highest paid opera singer in Britain but only because of those awful ads.
Elizabeth Owen. He’s a very respected opera singer by both musicians and singers; a family man and all round lovely guy. We were so pleased he got the Go Compare gig. Less of the snobbery, more empathy!
I was comprehensively wrong and I apologise to Mr Evans.
Feet never taste good. You were kind to apologize.
Mr Philips,
Thank you for this acknowledgment.
Unfortunately, a recent error of judgment led Mr Evans into political territory by hosting a Conservative fundraiser (and appearing on stage with Boris Johnson) while contracted by BBC Wales to present a regular radio show. Probably a ‘nice little earner’ but the BBC were not told beforehand (contrary to their rules on impartiality), forcing an apology from Mr Evans and a promise not to repeat the error.
Wynne has a great voice but alas tv has corrupted his skill. The go compare add is a thing but using his operatic talent for a gimmick is not a good thing. As far as the advert being what it is maybe just say “Go compare” then introduce his skill in some way before or after the ‘phrase’.
You go Wynne!!