about Our Patron

One of the most exciting tenors Britain has to offer today, David Butt Philip is quickly becoming a firm favourite on the major international stages. David trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. He became a Jerwood Young Artist with Glyndebourne, winning the John Christie Award. He was a member of the Jette Parker Young Artists Programme 2012–14. In 2021, he made his debut at New York’s Metropolitan Opera as Grigory in Boris Godunov. In 2022, David returned to the Met as Laertes for the US premier of Brett Dean’s Hamlet, and made his debut at the Salzburg Festival in Kátya Kabanová. His 2022/2023 season has so far included house debuts at the Wiener Staatsoper in the roles of Laca in Jenûfa and Stolzing in Die Meistersinger von Nürnburg. Earlier this month at the Royal Opera House he performed the role of Prince in a new production of Rusalka to huge critical acclaim. Engagements for the remainder of 2023 include the role of Don José in Carmen at the Wiener Staatsoper and his debut at San Francisco Opera in the role of Der Kaiser in Die Frau ohne Schatten. 

recent reviews for dbp

"David Butt Philip ……... outstanding ……….. his tenor soaring”  - Erica Jean: The Guardian (Rusalka / ROH)

"……...his singing is scrupulous, at ease when the vocal writing goes high, and he has an appealing, romantic sound.” - Richard Fairman: Financial Times (Rusalka / ROH)

on the eve of the DAVID BUTT PHILIP & friends gala 2023, dbp URGES US ALL TO KEEP FIGHTING FOR THIS TREASURED ART FORM 

It’s a delight to be back at St Paul’s Opera again this year, with another group of wonderful musicians whom I’m privileged to call friends! We hope you enjoy a slightly eclectic mix of popular treats and some less frequently performed gems. 

Recent months have provided a stark reminder of the need to keep providing early-career performance opportunities to young singers. There are far fewer ‘fringe’ and touring companies than there were 15 years ago when I left the conservatoire system, and the future of publicly funded opera and classical music has never been under greater threat. Those of us who care passionately about art, music, and their continued place in British cultural life must refuse to give up quietly. 

We cannot sit back and watch the great, historic, musical institutions we love be continually diminished until there is nothing left. I urge you all to make your voices heard in whatever way you can. Sign a petition, write to your MP, lodge a formal complaint with the BBC or Arts Council England. Otherwise, things will look even more bleak for the next generation of budding artists than they do now. 

I was especially pleased to see the great success that St Paul’s Opera had with its production of Albert Herring last summer. The perfect opera for young singers, and one very close to my heart. 

The company continues to go from strength to strength. We had another superb masterclass last month, with yet AGAIN the highest standard of singing I have seen since I first became involved with the group. International commitments will sadly keep me away from the 10th anniversary gala in April, but I encourage you all to come and support that, along with this summer’s production of Carmen, led by an exciting new creative team. Bring your friends, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!