Russell Thomas

Russell Thomas Tenor

Biography

In recent seasons, Russell Thomas has made his debuts in the roles of Don Alvaro (La forza del destino) at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and Manrico (Il trovatore) at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich. Other notable engagements include the title roles in Stiffelio in Frankfurt; La clemenza di Tito and Idomeneo in Salzburg; Tannhäuser and Parsifal in Houston; Mario Cavaradossi (Tosca) in London; the Emperor (Die Frau ohne Schatten) in New York; and Florestan (Fidelio) in San Francisco.

He was the first artist in residence at LA Opera, where he curated the “After Hours” recital series. There he sang the title role in Otello, as well as Radamès (Aida) and Calaf (Turandot).

He collaborated for many years with stage director Peter Sellars, notably singing the role of Lazarus in the world premiere of John Adams’s The Gospel According to the Other Mary. He also performs regularly in concert.

During the 2025–2026 season, he will sing Canio (Pagliacci) at Lyric Opera of Chicago and make his debut in the title role of Werther at the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto.

At the Paris Opera: The Force of Destiny (Don Alvaro), 2022

Currently in