Indian-Scottish Neil Balfour studied at Leeds College of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music and the National Opera Studio. He is a former Britten-Pears and Concordia artist. In the current season Neil performs Prince Yamadori Madama Butterfly Welsh National Opera, premieres Jean Arp Sophie Tête à Tête Opera festival and recently gave a Sondheim recital for Oxford Lieder. Other recent performances include creating the role of Ibn Al-Haytham Al-Haytham’s light (English Touring Opera); Mercurio La Calisto (Longborough Festival Opera); Claggart Billy Budd Re-imagined (The Royal Opera House L&P Department) and Cold Genius King Arthur (Glastonbury Festival). He is director of ArtSongStory (creating compelling videos of art-song) and founder of the Koko Koncerts, showcasing young classical musicians in an informal setting.
Neil Balfour
Bass-baritone, Samling Artist Programme: 2021
Samling Institute for Young Artists is a leading global authority in the training of young voices.
Since 1996, the Samling Artist Programme has provided intensive residential masterclass weeks for early-career singers and pianists, followed by professional development and support through our activities and established networks.
Find out more
Samling Artist Programme | All Samling Artists
‘I wasn’t too sure what the week would be but it exceeded my every expectation. Literally living, breathing and working with your tutors has advanced me so much. Internally I took some huge leaps of faith, put myself on the line and the tutors carefully handled that leading to enormous personal growth. I have learned techniques and concepts that I have already implemented into my professional work and will stay with me for the rest of my life. Samling is very, very special to me and I am so proud to be a part of the family.’
Neil Balfour with actor James Garnon and pianist Sid Ramchander, Samling Artist Programme Masterclass, Marchmont House
Neil Balfour and Natasha Page with pianists Malcolm Martineau and Jo Ramadan, Samling Artist Programme Masterclass, Marchmont House
Samling Institute for Young Artists is a leading global authority in the training of young voices.
Since 1996, the Samling Artist Programme has provided intensive residential masterclass weeks for early-career singers and pianists, followed by professional development and support through our activities and established networks.
Find out more
Samling Artist Programme | All Samling Artists